Aston Villa predicted XI vs. Brentford: Possible lineup for Premier League clash
An ailing Aston Villa side will be aiming to get back to winning ways on Wednesday evening, when they welcome Brentford to Birmingham – but they may have to do so without their award-winning goalkeeper.
As Argentina stopper Emiliano Martinez was forced off by a hand injury at half time of Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea, his replacement Robin Olsen could be called upon to start against the Bees at Villa Park.
Amid a long winless run, boss Unai Emery might be tempted to make further changes to his lineup in midweek, with Ross Barkley, Ian Maatsen and Leon Bailey fronting the queue for promotion from the bench.
Diego Carlos is an option if Emery decides to shuffle his unsteady defence, while a struggling attack could be livened up by the introduction of super-sub Jhon Duran.
Leading goalscorer Ollie Watkins – who joined Villa from Brentford four years ago – is still favourite to start up front, despite finding the net just once in his last seven matches and missing some good chances at the weekend.
Morgan Rogers has become an integral part of Emery’s plans this season, so he should keep his place behind Villa’s central striker, regardless of a recent dip in form.
Martinez aside, only Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana are expected to miss out due to injury, though the latter could yet come through a fitness test to make the bench.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Barkley, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
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Wolves £35.6m transfer flop wanted by Brentford and two Premier League rivals
Fabio Silva is reportedly wanted for transfer by three of Wolves’ Premier League rivals.
Spanish newspaper Fichajes is reporting that Silva has apparently caught the eye of Brentford, Bournemouth, and Southampton. The 22-year-old is on a season long loan at Las Palmas, and has performed well for the club from the Canary Islands.
He’s notched up five goals and an assist in 11 La Liga appearances this season. His form saw him called up to the Portuguese national team, and he made his debut in the 1-1 draw with Croatia in the Nations League last month.
Silva’s £35.6m move to Wolves has unfortunately not worked out for either party. He played 37 times in his first season, playing a part in nine goals under Nuno Espirito Santo, but when he left and Bruno Lage replaced him, he failed to make an impact.
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