Can Villa make it nine home wins in twelve to close the gap on Arsenal? | OneFootball

Aston Villa host Brentford on Sunday aiming to keep pace at the top of the Premier League table.

Unai Emery’s side head into the game buoyed by another comeback victory in midweek that reinforced belief and resilience within the squad.

Villa overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League to secure a top-two finish in the standings.

That result followed last weekend’s impressive league win away at Newcastle United, which further underlined their credentials.

Villa now sit just four points off the summit and remain firmly in the conversation as the title race begins to sharpen.

Momentum has been a defining feature of their season. Despite a rare home defeat to Everton earlier this month, Villa have responded with three consecutive victories in all competitions.

Villa Park has largely been a fortress. Only two sides have taken more points at home this season, and the atmosphere continues to fuel high-tempo performances.

Emery’s squad has also been refreshed by the January returns of Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham. Those additions have added depth and familiarity at a critical stage of the campaign.

However, there are concerns over fitness. Ollie Watkins was forced off in midweek with a hamstring issue and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Brentford arrive in Birmingham looking to halt a minor slide after back-to-back league defeats.

Losses to Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have stalled their push for European qualification.

Last weekend’s home defeat to Forest was particularly damaging, ending a strong run at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Despite that setback, Brentford remain eighth and within touching distance of the top six. Keith Andrews’ side have exceeded expectations for much of the season.

Their organisation and attacking efficiency have kept them competitive against stronger opposition, although results have been mixed away from home.

Only a handful of sides possess poorer away records, which adds to the scale of the task at Villa Park.

Their recent away form offers some encouragement. Brentford have won three of their last four matches on the road across league and cup competitions.

Much of their attacking threat continues to come through Igor Thiago. The Brazilian forward has enjoyed an outstanding campaign and remains central to their hopes of causing problems.

With confidence high and home support behind them, Villa will expect to dictate tempo and territory. Brentford are unlikely to make it easy.

They are disciplined, physical and capable of frustrating opponents when allowed to settle.

Villa will know that another win keeps pressure on those above and reinforces the sense that this season could still deliver something special.