Credit: Imago
Mon 15 September 2025 10:10, UK
Unai Emery turns his attention towards the Carabao Cup as Aston Villa travel to Brentford in the third round on Tuesday.
Villa are the only team in England’s top four leagues yet to score a goal, with their strike force yet to get going this season.
Aston Villa were again poor in attack against Everton as they drew 0-0 on Saturday, and Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers failed to combine.
Emery’s side added security in defence, with Lamare Bogarde a standout in Aston Villa’s squad as he won 75 per cent of his duels, but he will likely be rested in the Carabao Cup.
Credit: ImagoMarco Bizot to replace Emi Martinez
Emi Martinez returned against Everton after plenty of turbulence in recent weeks.
The Argentine tried to force a move to Manchester United on deadline day and lost the support of many of the Villa faithful.
However, he made up for his actions in an incredible performance against the Toffees.
Martinez kept a clean sheet vs Everton despite having 2.17 expected goals against himHe has now kept more than 70 clean sheets for the VillansThe Argentine had a save percentage of 72% last season
He will likely be rested in the Carabao Cup, with Marco Bizot taking his place.
Bizot was poor against Crystal Palace the last time he played, as he was at fault for two of the three goals conceded, but he has an ideal opportunity to put things right against Brentford.
The Dutchman was tipped to start against Everton after all the confusion surrounding Martinez’s transfer saga, and will be hoping to regain his place in the starting eleven.
He should start behind Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash, as Emery likely goes strong to get that winning feeling started.
Aston Villa predicted eleven vs BrentfordHarvey Elliott to make his full debut
Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, and the move includes an option to buy worth £35million.
Elliott replaced Emi Buendia for the final 20 minutes of the draw with Everton and could replace the attacker against Brentford, with Youri Tielemans and John McGinn behind.
Elliott was named the Player of the Tournament during the Under-21 Euros in the summerHis overall U21 goals record surpassed those of Alan Shearer, as he notched five goals in the tournamentHe converted five goals from 20 shots in the tournament
The winger looked like a bright spark against the Toffees, and having played during pre-season for Liverpool, he looks ready to make his first start.
Elliott won his only ground duel, completed seven of his nine passes and took 14 touches despite only being on the pitch for 19 minutes in his debut, via Sofascore.
He could be joined in attack by Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand, who is still adapting to English football following his £26million move from Nice.
Ollie Watkins will complete the line-up, with the England international desperately needing to get off the mark to kickstart his season.
The Villa striker has already missed two big chances in four games, with those his only shots too, in what has been a dreadful start for everyone in claret and blue.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247