ASTON VILLA host Brenford in Birmingham as we enter the serious stuff and the hosts try to edge closer to a Champions League spot.
Unai Emery was forced to field a depleted side at English and European Champions Manchester City on Wednesday with three of his key players, keeper Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins and captain John McGinn missing through illness, injury and suspension.
And although they competed well for long periods, they still went down to a 4-1 defeat which leaves them two points ahead of Spurs, although the capital side have a game in hand.
So they daren't afford any slip-ups to a Brentford side who are also looking over their shoulders for different reasons.
The Bees battled to a goalless draw with Brighton in an uninspiring stalemate, but the point would have been welcome.
It means they are now six points clear of the relegation drop zone with a superior goal difference too and that should be enough you would suspect.
However, they are now winless in eight games where they have only collected three points. It should be pointed out they have played all the title contenders in that run.
How the bookies view it
Villa are odds-on to get the win here with 8/11 currently the best price with bet365.
Brentford are 4/1 outsiders with the same firm. The draw is 16/5 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
Villa came from behind to seal a 2-1 win at Brenford in December with a couple of late goals. Last season, Villa stung the Bees with a 4-0 success in Birmingham.
Incredibly, Brentford have never, ever won at Villa Park which is some going since they were formed 135 years ago!
Players to watch
With no Watkins, Villa turned to Colombian hitman Jhon Duran and he scored his second goal in four games at the Etihad. He is 15/8 to score anytime with bet365.
Ivan Toney may have scored for England, but he's now gone seven games without a goal for the Bees, which is unlike Brentford's talisman. He is 19/10 to change that with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
This is a huge game for Villa and they can get back to winning ways with the return of their three key players who were missing at City. They should have too much quality for a Brentford side who cannot buy a win at the moment.
But Brentford never give up points easily and this could be a struggle. The value could be on a home win by one goal winning margin at 3/1 with bet365.
Super John McGinn will return from a three-game suspension for Villa and will be chomping at the bit to get involved. He has been booked ten times for club and country this season already and the 11/4 with bet365 which could be a generous price.
This English Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brentford will be played on Apr 6, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Aston Villa vs Brentford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
