Despite their points tally, which should be in itself applauded, Aston Villa have not come out of the gates swinging. In fact, the punch drunk team has lulled to seven points, with sucker punches usually winning the points. A deflating away game at Ipswich saw the Villans falter against ten men to only grab a point. Villa’s defence looks unconvincing right now and that’s down to a number of key facts. Mile Jedinak does not look confident as a centre-back, and Ørjan Nyland seems to have no confidence in his back two (and for good reason). James Chester, Villa’s captain, must step up in this situation.

Still, it feels rather good to be a Villan. They just need to play on the front foot that little more often. Jonathan Kodjia has found his goal, so expect him to start firing. Just also expect him to be isolated.

Brentford are the Crown Prince’s of the Championship, perhaps one-day destined to take the throne. It’s been a long way to the top, and it’s up to Villa to give these lot a bloody nose.

A big thanks to Bennett Berry for creating all of our match-day images throughout the season. Give him a follow.

We’re here. Kick-off commences soon, and you can find out how to watch Villa vs Brentford below.

UTFV

TV and Streaming

Location: Villa Park, Birmingham, England

Kick-off time: 19.45 pm UK, 14.45 am Eastern, 11.45 am Pacific

Weather: 20c in Aston. Warm and Drizzly.

Open Match Thread: Join in the comments below! Predictions welcome.

Available TV: Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.

Available video streaming: AVTV for International Plus. ESPN + in America, Sky Go and Now TV in the UK

Other listings are available from livesoccertv.com.

Available radio: Talksport, BBC WM 95.6 FM (not online), AVTV (If audio doesn’t work, try using Safari).

Twitter: You can find our live updates @7500toHolte, and we’d also recommend @VillaReport for updates as well.

Holtecast: James Rushton and Stevie Green talked Villa on the latest Holtecast

Injuries + Suspensions

Aston Villa will miss Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan.

Aston Villa squad

Brentford squad

Live twitter stream