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 Tottenham Hotspur. 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.
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 the U.S.:
TV channel: USA Network
Live stream: Fubo, NBC Sports App, NBC Sports website
This game is available for live TV broadcast on the USA Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo, NBC Sports App, and NBC Sports website.
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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 the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Aug. 23 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Aug. 23 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Aug. 23 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Aug. 23 | 7:00 a.m. |
Brentford vs. Aston Villa lineups, team news
Andrews will make a late call on the fitness of Mikkel Damsgaard, who missed out at Forest due to personal reasons.
If the Dane is ready to return, he should start, with Andrews keen to add some creativity back into his midfield.
Yoane Wissa remains unavailable for selection as he seeks to secure a move away before the end of August, and Vitaly Janelt and Ethan Pinnock are out injured.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could be drafted in as he continues to build match fitness.
Brentford predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kelleher (GK) — Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry — Jensen, Yarmolyuk — Lewis-Potter, Milambo, Carvalho — Igor Thiago
Injured: Wissa (unavailable), Janelt (ankle), Nunes (thigh), Pinnock (hamstring), Maghoma (undisclosed)
Suspended: None
Suspensions form a key part of Emery's plans for the trip to London, with Konza missing out due to a one-game ban but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez back from a suspension of his own.
Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia are the only injury absentees for the visitors.
Villa are reportedly interested in loaning Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea now that Leon Bailey has joined Roma, but it is unlikely any such move would be finalised before Saturday.
Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Torres, Mings, Digne — Onana, Kamara — McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers — Watkins
Injured: Barkley (fitness), Garcia (undisc.)
Suspended: Konza
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, August 23
- Man City vs. Tottenham (7:30 a.m.)
- Bournemouth vs. Wolves (10 a.m.)
- Brentford vs. Aston Villa (10 a.m.)
- Burnley vs. Sunderland (10 a.m.)
- Arsenal vs. Leeds (12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, August 24
- Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest (9 a.m.)
- Everton vs. Brighton (9 a.m.)
- Fulham vs. Man United (11:30 a.m.)
Monday, August 25
- Newcastle vs. Liverpool (3 p.m.)