Aston Villa v Brentford: five key battles

Brentford travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday for the first time in more than 63 years. Very few fans will remember the Bees’ 0-0 FA Cup draw in January 1953 – here’s the five match-ups that could swing the latest contest.

Scott Hogan v Tommy Elphick
Hogan’s double at Brighton not only earned the Bees three valuable points on the road, but it took the striker’s personal goal tally to 10 in 13 league games since his return from injury. On Wednesday, he comes up against Wales international James Chester and Villa skipper Elphick, who has settled in well since his move from Bournemouth.

Andreas Bjelland v Jordan Ayew
If Leicester loanee Callum Elder succumbs to a knee injury suffered on Saturday, Bjelland will again step in after an impressive second half up against Anthony Knockaert. He’ll face another of the division’s top players in Ghana international Ayew, a former Champions League player with Marseille.

Maxime Colin v Jack Grealish
On the other flank, Colin will also have a challenge up against the unpredictable Grealish, who can dazzle one minute and flatter to deceive the next. If he can keep his man quiet, Brentford could do well – if he can’t, they might be in for a long night.

Ryan Woods v Mile Jedinak
Woods continues to look comfortable at this level, a little over a year after stepping up from Shrewsbury. His range of passing will be crucial to setting off the Bees’ counter-attacks – former Crystal Palace skipper Jedinak will be keen to win their personal duel.

Dean Smith v Roberto Di Matteo
Bees boss Smith talked of his Villa connections in the build up – he and his brother watched them as children, and his father was a Villa Park steward for 30 years. But once the whistle goes, focus will switch to his tactical battle with a Champions League-winning Chelsea hero occupying the opposite dugout.