The turn of the new year brings a mid-table clash and an opportunity for both Brentford and Aston Villa to kick start 2022 with 3 points and build some momentum. Brentford have been the surprise pick of the promoted sides. Despite sitting 14th, they are 9 points clear of the relegation zone and a win here could take them a point off the top half.
Villa have had an underwhelming season following what was an exciting summer transfer window for them which saw the arrivals of Danny Ings and Leon Bailey. A change of manager has seen more recent success under Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard who returns to the touchline for this game following a recent positive test of covid-19. Having won 4 of 7 under Gerrard, Villa will target this game for 3 points before meeting United in the cup and league in back to back difficult fixtures.
Brentford v Aston Villa Bet Builder Tips & Predictions
Bryan Mbuemo to have 1+ Shots on Target
Bryan Mbuemo is starting to hit form and at a pivotal time of the season for Brentford. He notched up his first home premier league goal against Watford in their 2-1 victory last time he started. Constantly a threat with the home support behind him, Mbuemo has hit the target in 4 of his last 6 home games, partnering Ivan Toney brilliantly.
The Brentford front two should be able to flourish in this fixture against Villa, dominating the back 4 using Toney’s height and strength combined with Mbuemo’s pace, a threat to most back lines in the league not least shown by the 3-3 draw with high flyers Liverpool.
Expect Mbuemo to get in behind the back line with relative ease and test the hands of Emi Martinez at some point throughout the game.
Over 1.5 Goals
Two high power attacking teams meet in this game, with star strikers such as Watkins, Toney and Ings leading the lines, goals are to be expected. Brentford and Villa have 46 and 52 goals for or against in their 18 games this season, respectively.
Brentford have only failed to score against City, Chelsea and Brighton at home this season, 3 of the top 5 defensive records in the league. Villa have also failed to score away at Chelsea, Liverpool and Southampton, scoring in every other of their travels this season.
The over 1.5 goals market looks guaranteed, even at low odds, it is a great addition to the bet builder with Villa having over 1.5 goals in 83% of league fixtures this season and Brentford in 72% of league fixtures. The reverse fixtures earlier this season was a 1-1 draw with both teams starting fast and scoring within 13 minutes.
Over 1.5 Away Cards
Aston Villa are not a side afraid of a physical battle, with plenty of players prone to a yellow card. Skipper Tyrone Mings misses out though suspension from accumulating too many yellows as just one example.
Villa have had 40 cards in their 9 away games this season, with 21 from themselves at an average of 2.33 per game. Referee for today’s game, Craig Pawson, awarded 5 yellows to Villa when he last refereed them away at the Emirates.
Both these two teams rank in the top 7 for fouls against them, over. 10 per game each so we can expect plenty of fouls to be awarded and opportunities for Pawson to get his cards out. For that reason I am taking Aston Villa to be given over 1.5 cards and possibly even more given their track record and how badly both sides need 3 points separated by just 2 points currently.
John McGinn to be Carded
Scottish international, John McGinn is essential in Gerrard’s system at Aston Villa, as he was to predecessor Dean Smith. Starting 16 games this season and playing almost 1400 minutes, he is virtually untouchable and the key workhouse in the midfield 3. Covering more ground than most in the premier league, McGinn is prone to a yellow card, committing on average 1.82 fouls per game for 4 yellow cards this season.
McGinn should also be more exposed to a yellow card with the suspension of first choice centre back Tyrone Mings. An alteration is going to be made to the back 4 which will be attacked by target man and lead striker Ivan Toney, alongside the explosive Bryan Mbuemo. Whoever steps in for Mings will have a real test on their hands and the support of McGinn will be needed possibly having to drag one of the front two down to stop the counter.
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Predicted Aston Villa lineup v Brentford : Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Hause, Targett; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Sanson; Buendia, Ramsey, Watkins
Predicted Brentford lineup v Aston Villa : Fernandez; Pinnock, Jansson, Sorensen; Roerslev, Baptiste, Norgaard, Onyeka, Canos; Mbuemo, Toney
Brentford v Aston Villa Cheat Sheet
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing *
How to watch Brentford v Aston Villa in the Premier League
📅 When is Brentford v Aston Villa? / Sunday, 2 January 2022, 14:00
🏟 Where is Brentford v Aston Villa? / Brentford Community Stadium (Brentford)
📺 What TV Channel is Brentford v Aston Villa? / Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
📱 Online Live Streaming for Brentford v Aston Villa? / bet365
🟨 …And who is the referee for Brentford v Aston Villa? / Craig Pawson 🏴
