Aston Villa v Brentford predictions: Gerrard exit may not spark Villa turnaround

Bees carry serious threat against managerless hosts

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been linked with the Aston Villa jobCredit: David Rogers

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Aston Villa v Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday

When to bet

2pm Sunday

Best bet

Brentford or draw double chance
1pt 8-11 general

Team news

Aston Villa
Douglas Luiz is available after his red card at Fulham was rescinded. Philippe Coutinho, Emi Buendia and Leander Dendoncker are among those pushing for starts with changes anticipated.

Brentford
Aaron Hickey is out for several months with an ankle injury, Pontus Jansson is sidelined with a hamstring issue but Christian Norgaard is closing in on a return.

Preview

Aston Villa begin life after Steven Gerrard with a visit from Brentford but Sunday's clash with the Bees may only deepen the gloom.

The Villa hierarchy were forced to act after a dismal 3-0 defeat at Fulham, in which the visiting fans turned on their manager.

Caretaker Aaron Danks is now in charge and plotting a change in fortune as the Midlanders sit precariously just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Removing Gerrard from the Villa dugout may please the fans and there’s an argument to suggest a managerial change will be the catalyst for an improvement, but a fragile squad, low on confidence, have had little time to recover from the Craven Cottage horror show.

Brentford, who are seven places and five points better off in the table, are dangerous opponents for Villa, having picked up four points from their last six, including a 0-0 draw last time out against Chelsea.

They also carry a real goalscoring threat from an in-form Ivan Toney and, amid the home turmoil, the visitors can come away from Villa Park with a positive result to extend their unbeaten run to three games.