The Community Stadium Brentford hosts a crucial Premier League match on Saturday when Aston Villa comes to its host in what will be a mid-table battle. With only four points separating the two sides—Villa are 10th with 42 and Brentford are 11th with 38—this game can go a long way to establishing their positions in the league. The two sides are eager to end their respective jinxes of a sort, with Brentford not having won any of the previous seven home games and Villa having lost their previous three away matches.
Recent form marginally favors Aston Villa, who have found the net in all their last six matches, demonstrating attacking solidity. However, Brentford's impressive home goal average of 1.87 goals per game indicates they possess the attacking potential to challenge Villa's defense, which has been found wanting. Star players Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins are likely to have their say, with Mbeumo having 15 goals so far this season and Watkins following closely behind on 12. Then there is Mikkel Damsgaard's creative football, which might be the key to unlocking Villa's defense.
Historically, Villa has the psychological edge, having remained unbeaten in their last five against Brentford. The last match between them saw Villa win 2-0, with Brentford needing to reply with a good performance. However, there is cause for Brentford to draw confidence from their good home record against Villa, where they have won four of their last six games at the Community Stadium. Matches between the two teams tend to be high-scoring, averaging 4.2 goals per match, making it an exciting match for fans.
With both teams fighting for crucial points, this match can significantly influence their second halves of the seasons. Brentford's win will not only end their home barren run but also boost their chances of finishing in the top half of the table. For Villa, ending their away woes is the solution to remaining in contention for mid-table honors. All points to a thrilling match at West London.
Brentford - Aston Villa Key Facts
Brentford FC lost none of their last five Premier League games to Aston Villa, two of which were losses and three were draws, and that is a huge psychological advantage for Villa in this match.
Aston Villa have not lost their last five encounters with Brentford FC in all competitions, with a recent win, which shows that they have a strong grip on this game.
Brentford FC have been losing all their last seven home games, while Aston Villa have been losing their last three away games, and in doing so, offer the potential opportunity to punters that the draw and Aston Villa's chances need to be contemplated.
Betting Predictions
Primary Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1/2
The head-to-head statistics between Aston Villa and Brentford also heavily suggest a goal explosion, as their previous encounters averaged 4.2 goals per match. Brentford average 1.87 goals per match at home, with Aston Villa contributing 1.13 goals per match away from home. This suggests that both sides are capable of scoring. Moreover, the last six matches of Aston Villa have all come with both sides scoring, enhancing the likelihood of an open game. With an 81.99% over 2.5 goals likelihood, this selection is good value at the price of 1/2.
Secondary Bet: Both Teams to Score - Yes @ 4/9
The secondary bet is nicely supported by the attacking consistency of both teams. Brentford have scored in each of their 14 home games so far this season, a consistent threat up front. Aston Villa have found the net in each of their last seven, however, and persisted in displaying their scoring knack even with some adversity on the road. At a 63.02% chance and 11/25 odds, this bet is an extra on top of expecting an open, attacking affair.
Editorial Pick: Home Win @ 5/4
Brentford have been great at home this season, while Villa have struggled when playing directly after a UEFA Champions League midweek game. Unai Emery's side have been rejuvenated by the arrival of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, but Thomas Frank's boys still stand a great chance of taking all three points this weekend.
