Unai Emery axes Amadou Onana in four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Brentford
Aston Villa will continue their search for a first win of the season with an away trip to face Brentford on Saturday.
Unai Emery is preparing his Villans side for a clash against Keith Andrews’ side on 23 August, a week after Villa drew 0-0 against Newcastle on the opening day.
The points were shared at Villa Park as the B6 club were forced to battle hard in the second half after Ezri Konsa was sent off for a last-man foul on Anthony Gordon.
As a result, the England international will be absent from the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, in an immediate blow to the claret and blue outfit.
This could represent one of four changes from Emery as he looks for a better performance from his side than the opening day struggles.
Amadou Onana to face Aston Villa axe
Even with Konsa missing, the Villans have been handed a huge boost against the Bees with the return of Emi Martinez in between the sticks.
Marco Bizot was excellent on debut against Newcastle, but it feels highly likely that the Argentina international will immediately return after suspension.
| Stat | Marco Bizot vs Newcastle United |
| Saves | 3 |
| xG prevented | 0.64 |
| Accurate passes | 20 |
| High claims | 3 |
| Recoveries | 12 |
Ahead of the 32-year-old, Lamare Bogarde could come in as the right centre-back alongside Tyrone Mings to fill in for the absent Konsa.
Another defensive change could see Ian Maatsen come in for Lucas Digne, to join Matty Cash in the full-back roles in claret and blue.
Ahead of the back four, Amadou Onana could drop to the bench after registering a long ball accuracy of just 40 per cent against Newcastle, while also being dribbled passed and dispossessed on two occasions combined.
This could see Youri Tielemans drop back to join Boubacar Kamara at the base of midfield in place of his Belgian international teammate.
Donyell Malen has to start vs Brentford
With Tielemans dropping deeper into the midfield, this could afford John McGinn the chance to move centrally and afford an opportunity for his teammates out wide.
This could see Malen come into the side after being the only substitute in the second half for Villa against Newcastle.
After a stunning pre-season, the Netherlands international is more than deserving of a chance to start against Brentford, especially after they were dominated by Nottingham Forest last time out.
This will also be the case for the newly crowned PFA Young Player of the Year, Morgan Rogers, who could be set to start off the left once again in claret and blue.
The 23-year-old will be hopeful of combining better with Ollie Watkins, who will be keen to maintain his excellent record against the Bees.
- Watkins has scored six Premier League goals against Brentford
- The England international has nine goal involvements against his former side
- In eight career games against them, he’s won five and drawn three
After a frustrating day in attacking areas on the opening day, the forward line has a huge point to prove, ready for the first away trip to the capital.
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