The Aston Villa starting XI to beat Brentford…

It’s been a pretty rude awakening for Aston Villa so far as they look to get straight back into the Premier League.

One win, three draws and two losses so far in the Championship has left the Villains in 17th position in the league and it looks as though it’s going to be a long hard slog for Roberto Di Matteo’s men.

The weekend did see some positives against Nottingham Forest at least. Forest were the form side coming into the game but for large swathes of it Villa out played them and really should have come away with more than a 2-2 draw at home.

That game once again highlighted the need to be ruthless the club currently have but as is the way with the Championship, you’re never far away from getting another chance to put things right.

Villa host Brentford tomorrow night looking to kick-start their campaign whilst the Bees are fresh from a strong result away at Brighton over the weekend. Di Matteo will be confident, though, that if his side play like they did on Sunday, they should get a win this time.

Here at FootballFanCast we think that side only needs a couple of tweaks to allow for this line-up to get the three points…

Pierluigi Gollini

The young Italian ‘keeper has kept Mark Bunn out of the side and that has to be commended. Should once again start tomorrow.

Ritchie De Laet

The man who won both a Premier League and Championship medal last season brings a wealth of experience and will be key to Villa’s chances.

Tommy Elphick

Stepping down a level from the Premier League Elphick knows exactly how to win promotion so must play as much as possible.

James Chester

Another man with Premier League experience, the Elphick – Chester partnership is a good one on paper and their understanding should only get stronger.

Aly Cissokho

Cissokho is able to get forward but needs to be disciplined doing so, should start against Brentford regardless.

Jordan Ayew

Arguably Villa’s best player Ayew needs to be on top of his game to help the club win promotion this season and will start barring a late injury.

Ashley Westwood

Westwood’s career hasn’t taken the path many thought it could but nevertheless, he is still key to the way Villa play so should keep his spot.

Mile Jedinak

Jedinak missed out on Saturday but could be fit for Wednesday and you’d imagine he’ll play. He’s a warrior in the centre of the park and that’s what Villa need.

Jack Grealish

Much like Westwood, Grealish’s career has stalled somewhat. He has the ability to win games on his own though so belongs in the starting XI.

Ross McCormack

One of the best Championship goal-scorers but he only has two goals so far. Once he gets going though Villa should have a chance in any game.

Rudy Gestede

Gestede didn’t start the game against Forest but as the club’s top scorer he should come back in for this clash and help them beat Brentford.