Leander Dendoncker dropped in Unai Emery tactical switch – Aston Villa predicted XI v Brentford
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is expected to make a tweak to his tactical system for the upcoming Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday (22 April).
The Villans arrive into the encounter in a rich vein of form, having won their last five Premier League matches, and recording a longer unbeaten streak of eight games.
The club’s stellar form has seen them rise from the bottom half of the table to 6th position with just seven games of their season remaining.
For the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, Emi Martinez is expected to maintain his position in between the sticks following a run of six clean sheets from his last eight matches and a season that has brought about 82 saves. [WhoScored]
Emery is highly unlikely to swap any of the back-four who delivered a dominant performance in the 3-0 win against Newcastle last weekend.
Ashley Young is expected to be given the nod at right-back with Matty Cash still sidelined with injury, while Alex Moreno, who registered an assist, three key passes and completed two dribbles against the Magpies, is set to start at left-back.
After tough spells under Steven Gerrard earlier this season, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa will continue their blossoming relationship in the heart of Villa’s defence. Mings was notably strong against Newcastle last week, making six clearances, three blocks and two tackles.
Leander Dendoncker, who was brought into the starting line-up last week for his added defensive security against a strong Newcastle attack, will sit this match out, with Emery expected to make a little tactical change in midfield.
As was the case against Nottingham Forest, John McGinn is expected to slide into the centre of midfield beside Douglas Luiz to accommodate an extra attacker into the side, while Emi Buendia starts on the right side of the four.
Despite a steady performance in midfield against Eddie Howe’s side, which yielded 36 passes at a 97.2% accuracy, we believe Dendoncker will drop to the bench due to his lack of attacking threat, having failed to register a single shot or key pass against the Magpies.
After a stunning display on the left side of midfield last week, which included a goal and an assist in front of the on-watching Gareth Southgate, Ramsey is expected to start once more.
In attack, Ollie Watkins will look to continue his incredible goalscoring run of 11 goals from his last 12 Premier League outings, while the match-winner from the 2-1 win against Leicester City, Bertrand Traore, will add some more attacking legs beside him.
In other Aston Villa news, Danny Mills was completely wrong about a “terrible” Villa player after his recent transformation under Emery.