Brentford aim to extend their unbeaten start to eight matches across all competitions when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. The Bees sit fourth in the Premier League standings with nine points from five games, having conceded just four goals all season.
Stephen Gillett noted the team's strong position. "Brentford return to action after an extended international break looking to harness the momentum built by their best-ever start to a Premier League season," he said.
Team news and absences
Thomas Frank's side will be without several key players. Mathias Jensen, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, Antoni Milambo and Kaye Furo are all unavailable through injury or fitness issues. The full extent of the team's injuries continues to challenge squad depth. Aston Villa also have a lengthy absentee list, missing goalkeeper Marco Bizot, defenders Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen, and midfielder Amadou Onana.
Form and tactical edge
Brentford's defensive solidity has been a hallmark, with the team trailing for only three minutes and ten seconds in the league this term. They lead the division in aerial duels won per game and set-piece threat, with Jaidon Anthony's opener against Chelsea coming from a dead-ball situation. Kevin Schade, the club's top scorer with three goals, is among the league's most prolific sprinters alongside teammate Igor Thiago. Schade's goal contributions are a key part of the team's attacking stats.
Vitaly Janelt, fresh from his senior Germany debut, has made more interceptions than any other Premier League player this season. Kristoffer Ajer ranks fourth for clearances and aerial duels won.
Historical context
Brentford completed a league double over Villa last season, including a 1-0 win at Villa Park in February where Dango Ouattara scored the winner. The Bees recorded their two lowest possession shares of that campaign in those victories.
They travel to Birmingham aiming to make it eight matches unbeaten and maintain their league-leading aerial dominance against a Villa side that has won fewer aerial duels than any other team this season. After this fixture, Brentford's next challenge is a home match against West Ham, as seen on the upcoming fixtures list. The match kicks off at 3pm BST on Saturday, October 10.
