Emiliano Martinez To Start? | 4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Starting Lineup Against Brentford | OneFootball

As the new week of the Premier League begins, Aston Villa area ready to take the field once again against Brentford on August 23. Last Saturday, the team had to settle for a goalless draw against Newcastle United at Villa Park, that too when they had to play with 10 players after Ezri Konsa received a red card. Now, Unai Emery will expect a better start from his team in the match against Brentford. So, let us take a look at what lineup the Hammers might field against the Bees.

4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Starting Lineup Against Brentford:

Defence:

Talking about the defence line, Aston Villa are expected to play with a back four. Emiliano Martinez will take on the responsibility of goalkeeper at the back yet again, and his quick reactions will give confidence to the team. On the right side, Matty Cash’s job will be to stop Brentford’s fast attacks, and at the same time, his role will also include providing crosses forward.

In the middle, the pair of Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings will try to control the opposition strikers, where Torres will create a buildup from the back with his passing accuracy, and Mings will reduce the pressure with physical strength. Lucas Digne’s presence on the left will provide balance to the team in both defence and attack, as his overlapping runs will keep the opposition defenders constantly busy.

Midfield:

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on August 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Aston Villa will field two holding midfielders in the middle. Boubacar Kamara’s job will be to intercept Brentford’s attacks and secure possession of the ball. He will be accompanied by Youri Tielemans, whose creativity and precise passing will help the team move forward.

He will be flanked by three attacking midfielders. On the right, Donyell Malen will try to break down Brentford’s defence with his quick moves and dribbling skills. On the left, Morgan Rogers will pose a threat with his pace and positioning. In the middle, John McGinn’s energy and ball recovery ability will add edge to the team’s overall buildup, and he will act as a bridge between attack and defence.

Attack:

Ollie Watkins’ role will be the most important in the forward line. He will be the main striker, and his movement, positioning and goal-sniffing ability will put pressure on Brentford’s defenders. Watkins’s constant runs will open up the back line and create chances for him. Crosses from Malen and Rodgers and through balls from McGinn can give him chances to score. Brentford’s defence will need to be on their toes to stop Watkins, or he can easily change the course of a game.