Brentford boss fears FA Cup hangover against Aston Villa ahead of ‘big week’

Brentford boss Dean Smith says he fears an FA Cup hangover when his team return to league action on Tuesday night.

The Bees host Aston Villa just three days after their 4-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Villa did not play on Saturday, having exited the FA Cup at the third-round stage, and that is where Smith believes they may gain an advantage.

“Aston Villa haven’t had a game, so they’ll be fully prepared for the game on Tuesday,” Smith said.

“Our preparation starts now. The lads know they have got to get recovered.

“It’s a big week for us – Chelsea away, then Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion at home – but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Smith, though, was pleased with the effort his side put in against Chelsea despite the result, which he felt flattered the hosts.

He explained: “I said to the players at half-time to go and get in their faces, get our supporters’ bums off their seats and make a game of it, and I felt we did that second half.

“They’re honest, they’re hardworking, they’ve got quality as well – they didn’t deserve to lose 4-0. The difference was the quality of the finishing.”