Aston Villa Hosts Brentford With Injury Updates and Home Pressure

Aston Villa host Brentford in the Premier League at Villa Park with both teams returning from the international break, as Unai Emery seeks improved home performances and Keith Andrews prepares his unbeaten side for a difficult away match.

According to BBC, Villa have struggled at home this season after defeats against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, while Brentford enter the match after a 3-0 victory over Chelsea. Villa also recorded wins in the Champions League, Carabao Cup and Premier League before the break.

Unai Emery addressed questions about Manchester City's rule breach case after working as Pep Guardiola's assistant from 2016 to 2019. The Arsenal manager was asked whether his conscience was clear regarding the period.

"Yes" said Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager.

Arteta also said he wanted to respect the ongoing process after the ruling involving Manchester City, which the club has appealed.

"You were at City for three and a half years, is your conscience clear? You had a senior position there, is your conscience clear?" asked the reporter.

Villa's squad update showed several players progressing toward returns. According to Aston Villa, Leon Goretzka was close to returning but was unavailable for the Brentford match, while Pau Torres and Brian Madjo were available after recovering from injuries.

"Not tomorrow (for Goretzka)" said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.

Emery also provided updates on Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen and Modou Keba Cisse ahead of the fixture.

"(Amadou) Onana is (out) for a long time but progressing very well, (Ian) Maatsen is progressing very well but still out, (Modou Keba) Cisse will start to train with us next week" said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews confirmed Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva would miss the match. The club said Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg and Mathias Jensen were moving closer to a return after training involvement.

"Antoni Milambo and Josh definitely won’t be involved tomorrow." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

"Antoni was doing really well, but he’s picked up a little knock which has just set him back a little bit." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

"They have been on the grass and have been in and around training." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

"The one benefit of the last few weeks has been players like Nathan, Sepp and Mathi getting back up to speed and closer to a return." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

"Overall, we’ve come through it [the international break] well and we're in a good place for the next chapter." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

Andrews said Brentford expect a demanding contest against Villa at Villa Park and praised Emery's coaching record.

"[Unai Emery] is an exceptional coach." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

"We’re very aware it’s going to be a very difficult game. But equally, it’s a game we’re looking forward to playing." said Keith Andrews, Brentford head coach.

Emery said Villa must improve their home displays while adapting new players into the squad structure.

"I am especially happy how we finished before the break, especially in Bruges, against Coventry, against Tottenham." said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.

"But we played a very bad match against Nottingham Forest at home. So how we can react, how we can change our performance at home is very, very important." said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.

"We need the performance. How we are building the team, how we are adapting to the players we added is very, very important." said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.

"They are going very well and they will need more time. But, as fast as possible, we have to build our structure stronger, like we did the last year." said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.