Back in his preferred role as a No 10, Marco Asensio is proving why Unai Emery pushed so hard to sign him at Aston Villa

It was claimed by Watkins after full-time that he had been the victim of repeated verbal abuse from the specific supporter, but his celebrations sparked an on-field melee and Ezri Konsa and Saman Ghoddos were shown yellow cards. READ MORE : Liverpool points deduction rules explained in Premier League title race as Aston Villa watch on

The same back four is expected to start the second leg against Club Brugge, and Brentford's late pressure should serve as a valuable dress rehearsal for a crucial night at Villa Park.

Unai Emery declared Villa “hungry” to qualify for Europe through the Premier League after Saturday’s crucial win at Brentford kept them firmly in the mix.

Aston Villa scrapped to a 1-0 win at Brentford on Saturday as Unai Emery's side close the gap on the top four. WATCH – Full match replay On his return to his former club Ollie Watkins was the difference as he scored early in the second half to silence the boos from the home fans.

Unai Emery spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Aston Villa's victory against Brentford: "We competed more in the second half. Normally Brentford create more [at home]. We needed to defend and we defended fantastically.

Brentford lost 1-0 to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday evening, as former Bees striker Ollie Watkins netted the only goal of the game at Gtech Community Stadium.The Villa striker's