Soccer tips: Brentford vs Aston Villa – Gerrard’s men may struggle to end 69-year winless run
- Seb Sternik
- 2 January 2022
It’s been almost seven decades since Villa last beat Brentford. Steven Gerrard will be determined to end that run as his side look to bounce back from defeat to Chelsea - but he may be disappointed.
The Villans aren't the only ones coming into this game on the back of a defeat. Brentford were narrowly edged out by Manchester City last Wednesday night as Phil Foden scored the only goal of the game.
Thomas Frank wasn't short of superlatives to describe his team's defensive efforts against the defending champions. However, he now needs the Bees to spread their wings offensively as his side look to avoid a third straight defeat.
When, where and how to watch
When: Sunday, January 2, 14.00 GMT
Where: Brentford Community Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports
Best bets for Brentford vs Aston Villa
Those were Frank's words following the loss to Man City. It's rare to hear such colourful commentary from a manager after a defeat. Then again, only losing by a single goal against one of the world's richest sides is a big achievement for newly promoted Brentford.
In order to start racking up those all-important Premier League points, Brentford will need to replicate their impressive defensive output against an Aston Villa side which has found the back of the net 10 times in seven games.
Conceding goals has been a real problem for the Bees who haven't kept a clean sheet in six games.
Aston Villa aren't faring much better, having kept just one clean sheet from their last six. But then again, that was to be expected considering the Villans took on Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester and Manchester City in that time.
Still, despite facing the big hitters in recent weeks, Villa won have four of their last seven league outings.
Last three meetings
The Bees dominated proceedings but struggled to find the back of the net. But before Villa could celebrate a hard-earned point, Neal Maupay bagged a 91st-minute winner.
Maupay was once again among the goals as Brentford earned a point at Villa Park.
Maupay thought he bagged the winner for Brentford with an 82nd-minute strike. However, the Bees were denied as Kodjia also completed a brace to secure the draw.
Early goals in London?
Ten of Brentford's last 12 games across all competitions have seen this bet land.
Last 10 head-to-heads
Goalscorer bets for Brentford vs Aston Villa
Ivan Toney hasn't scored in four games, with his last Premier League effort coming in late November during a 1-0 win over Everton.
