Diouf Makes First Premier League Start for Brentford at Villa

Brentford have handed El Hadji Malick Diouf his first Premier League start in their away match against Aston Villa, with manager Keith Andrews making one change to the starting lineup that beat Chelsea 3-0. The match is scheduled for a 3 p.m. BST kickoff, according to Brentford's official team news published on October 10, 2026.

The Senegal international defender replaces Mikkel Damsgaard, who is absent from the squad. Diouf had previously appeared as a substitute in Brentford's last two Premier League matches and started their Carabao Cup victory over Reading last month. Andrews has otherwise retained the starting XI that secured a 3-0 win over Chelsea just over three weeks ago.

The selection maintains continuity following that victory while giving Diouf his first opportunity to start in the league for Brentford.

Damsgaard's absence is the only change to the starting lineup, according to Brentford's confirmed team announcement. The club has also included Mathias Jensen and Sepp van den Berg among the substitutes for the trip to Villa Park.

Van den Berg could make his first appearance of the season if he comes off the bench. The defender has recovered from a groin injury, placing him in contention to feature after his absence earlier in the campaign. Goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson is also among Brentford's substitutes. He was unavailable for selection in the team's recent victories over Reading and Chelsea, according to the club's announcement.

Brentford's confirmed lineup features Diouf in defense as the team prepares to face an Aston Villa side selected in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Villa's starting goalkeeper is Zion Suzuki, with Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Tyrone Mings and Matteo Ruggeri forming the defensive line. Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara occupy the holding midfield positions for Villa. John McGinn, Emi Buendía and Johan Manzambi are selected behind striker Nicolas Jackson.

Aston Villa's substitutes are Marco Bizot, Ross Barkley, Pau Torres, Alejandro Garnacho, Tammy Abraham, Mbaye, Lamare Bogarde, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alysson. Brentford's bench includes Valdimarsson, Jensen and Van den Berg alongside the other available substitutes named by the club.