Brentford vs Aston Villa

Tuesday 26 December

Griffin Park, 7.45pm

Sky Bet Championship

The Opposition

Without a win in four Sky Bet Championship games, December has seen Aston Villa's Play-Off push hit the skids. Draws against Leeds United, Millwall, and Sheffield United, and a defeat to Derby County this month, mean that Steve Bruce's side head to West London tonight in sixth, nine points off the top two.

Goals have been somewhat of a problem for The Villains this campaign with Bruce's side the lowest scorers in the top six, having not netted more than twice since September. Albert Adomah's 11 goals have accounted for more than a third of Villa's with the club's recognised strikers only have five between them.

Team News

Villa have a number of injury issues with Gabriel Agbonlahor the latest Villain to suffer an injury setback. Henri Lansbury is again set to miss out with a hamstring injury while Jonathan Kodjia and Chris Samba are long-term absentees. Skipper John Terry remains around a fortnight away as he nears recovery from a broken foot. Josh Onomah will be touch and go after he missed Saturday's draw with Sheffield United.

For The Bees, Josh Clarke and Henrik Dalsgaard could both be in contention to return tonight while Alan Judge continues to work his way back to full-fitness. Up front Lasse Vibe lasted an hour on Friday on his return from a three-week injury lay-off.

The Manager

Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce took charge of Villa in October 2016. Winning trophies as a player, he was a commanding centre-back for teams that also included Norwich City, Birmingham City and Sheffield United. Since retiring from football in 1999, Bruce has had four major roles in football management aside from Villa. His first was a six-year spell at Birmingham, during which time he got them promoted to the Premier League. Next saw jobs at Wigan Athletic and Sunderland before he had a four-year stay at Hull City.

Pre-Match Views

Opposition View: Gregg Evans of the Birmingham Mail with the inside scoop on The Villains

Ref Watch: Find out more about the man in charge for tonight's game

Stats Zone: Check out the facts and figures ahead of this evening's encounter

Ticket News

Tonight's game will be on restricted sale right up to kick-off with tickets available from £30 adults and £8 juniors. Get your tickets to join us on Boxing Day here.

Match Coverage

iFollow Brentford will be live from 7.15pm tonight with Mark Burridge hosting Matchday Live.

Download the Official Brentford FC App to get notifications direct to your phone, plus all the latest news, views and reaction from the game. Visit the Play Store or iTunes App Store now to download.