Emery anticipating tough test against 'difficult' Brentford

Villa are coming into this game on the back of wins over Cardiff City in the FA Cup and Club Brugge in the Champions League, but they have stumbled in the top-flight of late.

They have won just one of their last seven in the Premier League, with a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out denting their top-four hopes. They sit 10th in the table but are just five points off the top four.

Villa have had problems getting results in the Premier League following midweek Champions League matches this season, and Emery anticipates a tricky test against Brentford.

"Sometimes you can perform fantastic, and you are not winning. Sometimes you are not competing well, and you are winning," Emery said when asked about Brentford's home form.

"They have different results, but they are performing well, and they are playing some matches not winning but deserving more.

"Always, they are strong at home. Always. Even maybe not getting good results, they are always competing very well, and always difficult for the opponent."

#BREAVL is next... pic.twitter.com/PSJmH2mQPL

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 7, 2025

Brentford are also outside contenders to earn a European place, having earned 38 points so far this season, leaving them 11th, with a game in hand over Villa above them.

They are unbeaten in their last three outings (W2 D1), though failed to hold onto a lead in their last home game – a 1-1 draw with Everton.

Brentford have had injury issues in recent weeks, but Thomas Frank had positive updates on two key midfielders ahead of their clash with Villa.

"Norgaard is back, which we expected after the concussion precaution," said Frank.

"And Mathias Jensen will be involved in the squad as well, so that's very positive."

Ten of Bryan Mbeumo's 15 Premier League goals this season have put Brentford ahead in the match, with no player netting more this term.

Seven of these have put the Bees 1-0 up, with only Chris Wood (nine) netting the opening goal in more different games.

Marco Asensio has been involved in eight goals in his last nine league starts (four goals, four assists).

However, he has not scored in any of his last 12 away league appearances since netting at Strasbourg for Paris Saint-Germain in February 2024.

pic.twitter.com/g3mEWc0Tet

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) March 4, 2025

Having been unbeaten in their first eight league meetings with Aston Villa in the 21st century (alternating between a draw and a victory each time), Brentford are now winless in their last five against the Villans (D2 L3, alternating between defeat and a draw each time).

They lost to Villa in their last meeting (3-1) but will be looking to do better than a draw by regaining their impressive home form from earlier this season. They won seven of their first eight at the Gtech Community Stadium this term but are winless in six since.

Villa have scored in all seven of their Premier League meetings with Brentford but have also kept only one clean sheet in that run (4-0 in October 2022).

Having won the reverse fixture at Villa Park in December, Villa are looking to complete a first Premier League double over Brentford. However, they have not won both meetings with the Bees in a league campaign since 1946-47.

Villa took 10 points from the first 12 available away from home in the Premier League this season (W3 D1), but have since won just four from a possible 27 on the road (W1 D1 L7).

Brentford – 42.6%

Draw – 24.6%