Sam Stone

Sun 23 April 2023 20:10, UK

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw away at Brentford on Saturday afternoon, bringing to an end the Villans’ five-game winning run.

With just two shots on target during the fixture, it was a fairly laboured performance from Unai Emery’s side and the Spaniard will be delighted to leave West London with a point. It’s the sign of a good team to remain unbeaten when not at their best and the draw keeps the West Midlanders in sixth position and hot on the coattails of the European places.

There were a number of changes during the clash against the Bees and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Emery ring the change when the Villans face off against Fulham on Tuesday evening (25 April).

We anticipate there being three significant alterations to Emery’s starting XI with Emi Martinez being replaced in goal by Robin Olsen. The Argentine was substituted at halftime against Brentford and Emery has since revealed the 30-year-old was suffering from a stomach problem.

Emery told the BBC: “Before the match, the last meal, he was feeling bad with his stomach.

“He started the match and played the first half. He wasn’t feeling good [at half-time]. Hopefully, he’ll recover for the next match.”

There’s obviously a chance Martinez is able to play, but considering the clash is only a matter of days away, Olsen could be the man to start.

Olsen performed well against Thomas Frank’s side, making two saves from the two shots on target he faced (100 per cent success rate, Wyscout).

Another change could happen at right back, with Calum Chambers coming in to replace Ashley Young. The 37-year-old was hooked just after the hour mark against the Bees after enduring a tough afternoon.

Also, he probably should’ve done better with Ivan Toney’s goal for the home side. Chambers has done well of late and could allow for Young to be given a rest and time out of the side.

One other change we envisage is at left-back, with Lucas Digne potentially coming in to replace Alex Moreno. Moreno’s defensive duels were significantly lower during Villa’s draw with Brentford and the Spaniard’s attacking threat diminished somewhat, with his two crosses failing to find a Villa player.

Digne won 75 per cent of his duels during his second-half cameo and registered five crosses, with two of them finding a Villa player. Elsewhere Douglas Luiz and Leander Dendoncker will almost certainly be Villa’s midfield pairing. We also anticipate a similar attacking midfield trio with John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Jacob Ramsey operating behind Ollie Watkins.

In other Aston Villa news, this “outstanding” outfielder is expected to quit the club for good in the summer transfer window.