Three to miss through injury, Emery drops two over poor performance – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Brentford

Aston Villa face a crucial clash against Brentford on Wednesday night, desperate to end an eight-game winless streak in all competitions.

The Villans were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s pressing side exposing defensive frailties.

Nicolas Jackson gave the Blues the early lead before Enzo Fernandez tapped in the second and Cole Palmer added the finishing touch with a third.

Villa manager Unai Emery will demand a response from his players, especially with Brentford boasting the worst away record in the league – one draw and five defeats from six outings.

World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez is in doubt with a broken finger. He was forced off against Chelsea and although he trained this week, Robin Olsen is likely to start in goal.

Emery will be tempted to drop Matty Cash after his atrocious performances as Jadon Sancho and Marc Cucurella consistently got the better of him at right-back.

Cash could be replaced by the returning Diego Carlos. Ezri Konsa can then switch to right back to accommodate Carlos in the middle.

Ross Barkley and Youri Tielemans are expected to continue in midfield.

Emery announced that Amadou Onana is in contention to play, but Wednesday may come too soon for the Belgian. Jacob Ramsey is also out with an injury.

Leon Bailey could join Morgan Rogers and John McGinn in attacking midfield and support the talisman Ollie Watkins in front.

Jadon Philogene was another player who performed poorly against Chelsea. He should drop to the bench.

Predicted Aston Villa XI v Brentford

(4-2-3-1): Robin Olsen; Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Ross Barkley, Youri Tielemans; Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn; Ollie Watkins.