Emi Martinez change to be forced on Emery – Aston Villa predicted XI v Brentford
Aston Villa could make three changes to their starting lineup against Brentford, with Unai Emery possibly being forced to make a tough call on Emi Martinez.
Villa Park is set to host the Bees on 4 December in the Premier League, with the Lions looking to end their eight-game winless streak in all competitions.
In their previous match against Chelsea on 1 December, the Villans lost 3-0, with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.
Emery could likely look to make a host of changes for the Brentford game, starting in goal with Martinez, who suffered a fracture on his fingers, according to TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul on X.
The Argentina international didn’t have the best of matches at Stamford Bridge, conceding twice, completing just 67 per cent of his long balls and recording a prevented rating of -0.74, as per FotMob.
Emi Martinez a big miss for Aston Villa v Brentford
The World Cup winner’s potential absence will undoubtedly be a big blow for the Birmingham club, and fans will hope Robin Olsen can cover astutely.
Matty Cash was part of a backline that suffered against Enzo Maresca’s team, with the Poland international picking up a yellow card and recording a tackle success rate of 33 per cent.
Diego Carlos could see himself returning to the backline, with Ezri Konsa moving to right-back.
The Brazilian was one of the best players on the pitch as Villa drew 0-0 against Juventus in the Champions League on 27 November, and the centre-back dropping to the bench for the Chelsea game was surprising.
Jaden Philogene is the attacker Emry could drop after his abysmal display at Stamford Bridge, having just 28 touches of the ball, completing just five passes in the 66 minutes he was on the pitch and recording a combined xG and xA of 0.07.
Leon Bailey hasn’t been great by any stretch in the current campaign, but the Jamaican is a much more significant threat to the opposition and will likely replace Philogene on the right wing.
Emery is in a challenging spot, and the Villa Park faithful will hope the Spaniard can get the team back on track.
In other Aston Villa news, an injury update has been revealed regarding Amadou Onana.
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