Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon for a Premier League meeting with Brentford, with Unai Emery facing several selection questions before kick-off.
For the Aston Villa predicted XI vs Brentford, I expect Emery to retain a 4-2-3-1 formation despite several injury concerns. Villa have endured a mixed opening to the campaign, while Brentford have shown enough attacking threat to make this a tricky home fixture.
The latest injury picture creates problems across the squad. Amadou Onana faces a lengthy absence after his cruciate ligament injury, while Ian Maatsen, Leon Goretzka, Pau Torres and Brian Madjo remain unavailable. Marco Bizot is doubtful because of a back problem.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Brentford: Who starts?
Zion Suzuki should continue in goal with Bizot carrying a doubt. Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks the obvious choice at right-back, while Matteo Ruggeri should start on the opposite flank with Maatsen unavailable.
Tyrone Mings should partner Victor Lindelöf in central defence. Torres has a hamstring problem, so Emery could avoid taking any unnecessary risk with the Spaniard.
Boubacar Kamara and João Gomes should form the midfield pairing. Kamara can protect the defence, while Gomes provides the running needed to deal with Brentford’s energetic midfield.
Further forward, John McGinn should start on the right side after producing two assists in the league. Johan Manzambi could operate centrally, with Emiliano Buendía starting from the left and drifting inside.
Nicolas Jackson should lead the line. His pace can cause problems for Brentford’s defence, particularly if Villa move the ball quickly through midfield.
Should Aston Villa trust experience against Brentford?
I wouldn’t rush Pau Torres back for this fixture. Mings and Lindelöf can provide Emery with a more settled partnership, while the midfield should offer enough protection in front of them.
The bigger decision concerns the attacking midfield positions. Garnacho provides greater directness, yet Manzambi offers Emery another player capable of linking midfield with the attack. McGinn and Buendía can interchange positions, which could create problems for Brentford’s defensive shape.
Villa need to start faster at home. Their recent results have shown that they can score goals, but defensive lapses have made matches unnecessarily difficult.
Against Brentford, Emery should prioritise control without taking the aggression out of Villa’s attack. Jackson’s movement could prove particularly useful if Villa force Brentford’s back line to defend deeper.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Brentford: 4-2-3-1 — Suzuki; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Mings, Ruggeri; Kamara, João Gomes; McGinn, Manzambi, Buendía; Jackson.
