Villa is coming into this game on the back of wins over Cardiff City in the FA Cup and Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, but it has stumbled in the top-flight of late.

It has won just one of its past seven in the Premier League, with a 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out denting top-four hopes. It sits 10th on the table but is just five points off the top four.

Villa has had problems getting results in the Premier League after midweek UEFA Champions League matches this season, and Emery anticipates a tricky test against Brentford.

"Sometimes you can perform fantastic, and you are not winning. Sometimes you are not competing well, and you are winning," Emery said when asked about Brentford's home form.

"They have different results, but they are performing well, and they are playing some matches not winning but deserving more.

"Always, they are strong at home. Always. Even maybe not getting good results, they are always competing very well, and always difficult for the opponent."

Brentford is also an outside contender to earn a European place, having earned 38 points so far this season, leaving it 11th, with a game in hand over Villa.

It is unbeaten in its past three outings, winning two of them, but failed to hold on to a lead in its most recent home game – a 1-1 draw with Everton.

Brentford has had injury issues in recent weeks, but manager Thomas Frank had positive updates on two key midfielders ahead of the clash with Villa.

"Norgaard is back, which we expected after the concussion precaution," Frank said.

"And Mathias Jensen will be involved in the squad as well, so that's very positive."