Brentford welcome Aston Villa to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday as the Premier League gears up for its second round of action.
It’s a fresh chapter for the Bees under Keith Andrews, who stepped in after Thomas Frank made the leap to Spurs. His debut in the dugout didn’t exactly go according to script, though, as Nottingham Forest handed Brentford a 3-1 defeat on opening weekend.
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Villa’s curtain-raiser wasn’t much to write home about either. A cagey 0-0 stalemate with Newcastle showed they’ve got a sturdy back line, but the cutting edge up front was nowhere to be found. This time out, Unai Emery’s men will be eager to add a bit more bite in the final third.
With both clubs still shaking off the early-season cobwebs, this one has all the makings of a tight, hard-fought contest. The last time these sides locked horns, Villa nicked it 1-0 — and history could well repeat itself.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Brentford vs. Aston Villa live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in Australia:
TV channel: -
Live stream: Stan Sport
This game is not available on free-to-air TV. Brentford vs. Aston Villa can be streamed on Stan Sport.
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What time does Brentford vs. Aston Villa kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, England and kicks off on Saturday, August 23 at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across Australia.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Sun, Aug. 24 | 12:00 a.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 23 | 11:30 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 23 | 10:00 p.m. |
Brentford vs. Aston Villa lineups, team news
Brentford head into the weekend short-handed, with Vitaly Janelt (ankle), Gustavo Nunes (thigh), and Paris Maghoma (unspecified issue) all sidelined. On top of that, Yoane Wissa — heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United — continues to skip training as he angles for an exit and won’t feature either.
Ethan Pinnock sat out the Forest defeat after picking up a training knock, and his status will be monitored right up until kickoff. There is better news in midfield, though, with Mikkel Damsgaard expected back after celebrating the birth of his first child.
Damsgaard could slot straight in alongside Mathias Jensen, and new arrival Jordan Henderson is also in line for his first start in Brentford colors.
The return of Rico Henry at left-back frees Keane Lewis-Potter to push further forward, while Thiago may once again spearhead the attack. Kevin Schade is another option in the final third, potentially stepping in for Fabio Carvalho if called upon.
Brentford predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry — Jensen, Henderson, Damsgaard — Lewis-Potter, Thiago, Schade.
Injured: Vitaly Janelt (ankle), Gustavo Nunes (thigh), and Paris Maghoma (unspecified issue),
Suspended: None
Aston Villa will have to make do without Ezri Konsa, who sits out a one-match suspension after seeing red last weekend. Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley are also touch-and-go, with neither expected to shake off their knocks in time for the trip to Brentford.
In goal, Bartlomiej Bizot’s promising debut looks set to be cut short, as World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez is ready to reclaim his spot after serving a suspension carried over from last season’s finale.
Konsa’s absence opens the door for Pau Torres to step into central defense, likely pairing up with fellow left-footer Tyrone Mings. Up front, Morgan Rogers — fresh off winning PFA Young Player of the Year honors — should line up alongside Ollie Watkins.
The striker has a habit of haunting his old club, finding the net in his last two away outings at Brentford, and boasts an impressive record of 11 goals in his last 18 Premier League matches played in London.
Aston Villa predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Torres, Mings, Digne — Kamara, Onana — McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers — Watkins.
Injured: Badiashile (muscle), Lavia (muscle), Kellyman (thigh), Colwill (ACL), Tosin (doubtful).
Suspended: Ezri Konsa
Premier League fixture schedule this week
Saturday, August 23
- West Ham vs. Chelsea (5 a.m. AEST)
- Man City vs. Tottenham (9:30 p.m. AEST)
Sunday, August 24
- Bournemouth vs. Wolves (12 a.m. AEST)
- Brentford vs. Aston Villa (12 a.m. AEST)
- Burnley vs. Sunderland (12 a.m. AEST)
- Arsenal vs. Leeds (2:30 a.m. AEST)
- Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest (11 p.m. AEST)
- Everton vs. Brighton (11 p.m. AEST)
Monday, August 25
- Fulham vs. Man United (1:30 a.m. AEST)
Tuesday, August 25
- Newcastle vs. Liverpool (5 a.m. AEST)