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Aston Villa will be hoping to continue their remarkable run of form under Unai Emery as they face Brentford in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Midlands side are currently just six points off a Champions League spot, and having won their last five matches in a row, the momentum is currently with the Villans as they chase a European spot which seemed out of this world just six months ago.

Emery’s men have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match today, with several big-name players such as Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho still all on the treatment table.

The tie represents a major opportunity for Villa to secure another three points, while Brentford have struggled as of late, picking up just two points from their last five matches, and despite having a solid season, they will be hoping to end on a high note.

We at Football FanCast predict the starting XI that Emery will select for the crucial visit to the Gtech Community Stadium this afternoon.

How will Aston Villa line up against Brentford?

4-2-3-1: Emiliano Martinez; Ashley Young, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Alex Moreno; Leander Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz; John McGinn, Emiliano Buendia, Jacob Ramsey; Ollie Watkins

Martinez will keep his place in goal and the Argentinian ‘keeper has kept a clean sheet in four of his previous five matches – with Villa conceding just one goal in that time – and he will be hoping to enjoy a comfortable afternoon.

Young will continue to deputise at right-back due to Cash being unavailable, while Alex Moreno will keep his place on the left side of defence.

Despite enjoying some solid performances of late, we think Emery could drop Ezri Konsa to the bench and give a runout to Carlos. The £100k-per-week centre-half – who was dubbed a “monster” by Watkins – hasn’t started a match since August, but he has recovered from his knee injury that has ruled him out of the majority of the season. Mings will partner him at the heart of the defence.

Dendoncker and Luiz will form the midfield axis like they did against Newcastle and will be hoping to replicate their performances against the Magpies.

Emery will yet again deploy three attacking players behind a lone striker. McGinn and Ramsey will operate on the flanks as the Englishman aims to build on his impressive display last weekend, where he scored and provided an assist. Buendia will hope to make things happen in the number ten role directly behind the in-form Watkins, who has scored 12 goals since Christmas.

Another three points will propel Villa towards the promised land of European football, but Brentford will make it a tough match as they seek their first win in over a month.

Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate Julian Nagelsmann 'ruled himself out quite early' regarding the vacancy at Hotspur Way, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest news involving Julian Nagelsmann?

As per The Independent, Nagelsmann has given Spurs an ultimatum if he is to become the new manager of the club. The 35-year-old is said to want to take over in north London in the summer while also demanding that he has the final say on any incoming transfers at the Lilywhites.

The report states that if the German coach doesn't fancy taking up the opportunity of becoming Tottenham boss, then it is likely that Feyenoord's Arne Slot will come into consideration as the 'leading contender'.

Several other candidates have been linked with the role, such as Luis Enrique, Brendan Rodgers, Ange Postecoglou and Vincent Kompany.

Of course, Spurs have already engaged in a managerial shuffle on an interim level this week, as caretaker Cristian Stellini was fired following their dismal 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, being replaced by his assistant Ryan Mason who will take charge until the end of the season.

In his first game in charge, Mason and his side will take on Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, in a match that could be pivotal to keeping their slim hopes of Champions League qualification alive.

On the subject of Nagelsmann, journalist Crook has heard information that contradicts some media reports and isn't sure whether the former Bayern Munich boss would consider the Tottenham vacancy.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crook said when asked about whether Nagelsmann should be Spurs' preferred candidate: “I think if it's true, yeah. But it goes against what I've been told. I was told he ruled himself out quite early.

"So, unless it’s because he's not got the Chelsea job, and he's so desperate to get back in, I think there are more risks for Nagelsmann when taking that job than just waiting to see what else comes available.”

Would Julian Nagelsmann be a good appointment by Tottenham Hotspur?

Bringing Nagelsmann to north London would be an ambitious step by the Tottenham hierarchy that would show they mean business heading into 2023/24.

Despite being 35-years-old, Nagelsmann has already claimed a Bundesliga title as a manager with Bayern Munich in 2021/22 alongside two German Super Cup trophies in 2021/22 and 2022/23, as per Transfermarkt.

When he was at RB Leipzig, the German coach also made history in 2020/21, becoming the youngest manager in Champions League history to reach the semi-final stage at just 33.

Tottenham look to be a club in free fall at the minute and Nagelsmann could finally provide them with some long-term stability following a period of turbulence on and off the pitch.

Manchester City are close to agreeing a new long-term contract for Rico Lewis, according to reports.

What's the latest on Lewis' future?

The Sky Blues defender is an academy graduate at the Etihad Stadium having worked his way up through the youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team last summer, where he’s so far made 19 senior appearances to date.

The England U21s international, however, will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that he could have clubs sniffing around during the upcoming transfer window, but the M11 outfit have long been planning to extend his stay under Pep Guardiola.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported in November 2022 that the Premier League giants had begun work on an extension behind-the-scenes, with discussions set to take place between the two parties, and it now sounds like they couldn’t be nearer to wrapping up the fresh terms.

According to 90min, Manchester City are “close” to reaching an agreement over a new contract with Lewis. The Sky Blues’ negotiations have “progressed” rapidly over the past few weeks and months, with the smaller details almost “finalised”.

Guardiola is a huge fan and views the right-back as the “heir” to Kyle Walker, who could be set to secure a move elsewhere in the summer having already been linked with an exit. Currently pocketing just £5k-per-week, this will be Lewis' first major professional deal.

Does Lewis deserve a new contract?

Man City will view Lewis as a hugely important player for the future of their first-team in years to come, and with his transition from youth to senior football having already been dubbed “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, being offered a new contract is fully deserved.

The Bury-born talent has won eight tackles from 13 players challenged so far this season and ranks in the 99th percentile for pass completion, as per FBRef, so is strong in the defensive and link-up aspect of his game, but can also contribute up top.

The CAA Base Ltd client has recorded nine goal involvements (six goals and three assists) at all age levels during his time at the club and has already experienced a taste of what it’s like to compete at the highest level having been given the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

As per WhoScored metrics, Lewis is actually Guardiola’s third best tackler player and is even ranked above the likes of John Stones and Nathan Ake in that department, which shows how much potential he’s displaying as just an 18-year-old, and there’s no doubt that he will only continue to excel even further under the leadership of the Spaniard in years to come.

Arsenal could reignite their interest in a familiar figure, according to recent reports…

Arsenal transfer news – Raphinha back on the Gunners' radar

Spanish outlet SPORT have claimed that sporting director Edu Gaspar has regulary been in contact with FC Barcelona over a potential move for Raphinha, having missed out on him prior to his switch to the Nou Camp.

It's thought that the Brazil winger, who made a name for himself at Leeds United, is growing open to the idea of leaving the LaLiga giants this summer transfer window but is yet to decide what club he wishes to join, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United also presenting offers to his agent, Deco.

Barcelona are set to demand a fee in the region of €70m and €80m, meaning he could cost the Gunners in excess of £70m.

Could Raphinha become Mikel Arteta's own Riyad Mahrez?

It seems as if Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has held a long-term admiration for Raphinha, having already impressed in the English top-flight with Leeds, though it would certainly be an interesting move for the club to make, given Bukayo Saka's immense form on the right flank this term.

That said, with the Gunners back in the Champions League next season, a swoop for the 26-year-old dynamo shouldn't be ignored, particularly as he could give the Spaniard a familar presence and one that could elevate the club onto the next level.

In the past, Raphinha has been likened to Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, a terrific talent that Arteta worked with closely during his time as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola. The Algerian winger even noted how 'sad' it was to see him leave to takeover from Unai Emery back in 2019.

"He’s scored some very, very important goals. The way he drifts and comes in on the inside it reminds me of Riyad Mahrez," said Robbie Keane, who was appointed as Sam Allardyce's first-team coach at Elland Road earlier this week, on Sky Sports (via LeedsLive).

Also having lauded the tricky maestro as a "revelation" with "a real ability", there is no denying that Raphinha is an electric talent and it's not as if things haven't worked out in Spain because he has provided seven goals and six assists in LaLiga this season, despite averaging just 58 minutes per appearance.

FBref liken his statistical profile to that of Saka, as well as another City star in Phil Foden, so he should have no problems in adapting to Arteta's system and ideology.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe's 'top five' divisions, the Barca gem ranks inside the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals and expected assists per 90, the top 8% for total shots per 90 and the top 9% for passes attempted per 90, via FBref, making him a creative yet dynamic threat in the final third.

It is perhaps why his former Whites teammate Dan James once hailed him as a "magician" who "can do absolutely anything on the pitch."

These are all attributes that are associated with Mahrez too, an immense wizard who is often capable of cutting in and doing the unthinkable from the right flank and in recent outings, he has emerged as the difference-maker for City as they look set to pip the Gunners to the title.

Across the last three games, the 32-year-old has provided four assists, including two in their 2-1 win over Leeds over the weekend.

In Raphinha, Arteta could be getting his own version of the player he once coached; someone able to turn a game on its head and one that could well get Arsenal a little closer to thwarting City's powerful dominance in English football.

As such, Edu must pay up to land the Brazil sensation this summer.

Leeds United are in serious danger of being relegated back down to the Championship in their third season in the Premier League following their promotion in 2019/20.

The Whites are 19th in the table and two points adrift of 17th-placed Everton with three matches left to play before the end of the campaign.

Sam Allardyce has been drafted in to keep the side up after Javi Gracia failed to have the desired impact at Elland Road and was beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in his first match.

The one-time England boss is an experienced campaigner in the Premier League and has worked with some terrific talents throughout his time in the game.

One player Allardyce had thrived with was French forward Nicolas Anelka, who scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances under his management at Bolton.

The dynamic former Arsenal and Chelsea talisman used his pace and movement out of possession to generate chances for himself and the Leeds boss could use his success to unlock the full potential of Georginio Rutter at Elland Road.

How has Georginio Rutter performed for Leeds?

The Frenchman has failed to score or assist a single goal in 12 appearances for the Whites since making the move from Hoffenheim for a club-record £36m fee in January.

There is no doubting that the attacker has struggled over the last four months or so but Allardyce's arrival provides a clean slate and he could absorb the boss' knowledge and attempt to replicate the form that his compatriot, Anelka, showed in order to keep the club in the Premier League.

LeedsLive journalist William Jackson gave the £76k-per-week forward a score of 8/10 for his "dangerous" performance and noted that the manager was in attendance to watch the attacker's impressive display in his player ratings piece as the ace played for the U21s on Monday, which is a positive step in the right direction.

Rutter is a marksman who has similar attributes to Anelka during his time at Bolton – scout Jacek Kulig once hailed the French gem's off-ball movement and lauded his "blistering" pace and "clinical" finishing, which suggests that the 21-year-old has the qualities to use his pace to run off the back of opposition defenders to create chances for himself.

His 11 goals and four assists in 26 Bundesliga starts for Hoffenheim also show that the youngster has the quality to provide a relatively consistent end product in a major European league and that his form for Leeds may be a confidence issue, or the previous managers not utilising his talent in the right way.

Allardyce has proven, with Anelka, that he can get the best out of a number nine who runs in behind and looks to cause problems for defenders on the shoulder and could unearth his new star by unleashing Rutter in the last few matches.

Celtic put in a disappointing performance last time out as they were beaten 3-0 in the Old Firm clash with their rivals at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.

Ange Postecoglou's side have already been crowned champions of the division for the 2022/23 campaign and allowed their standards to slip in the defeat last weekend.

The Hoops now have a chance to react to that result by putting St Mirren to the sword at Parkhead this afternoon in their 36th league match of the season.

Postecoglou could make a number of changes to his starting XI, however, after a number of poor individual performances against Michael Beale's team.

Will Hyeon-gyu Oh start against St Mirren?

South Korea international Hyeon-gyu Oh must be ruthlessly ditched from the side this afternoon after his woeful showing at Ibrox last weekend.

The centre-forward, who joined from Suwon Bluewings for £2.5m in January, was provided with a huge opportunity to showcase his quality in the Premiership's showpiece event and failed to grasp it.

Oh started ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi, who has scored 24 league goals this term, in what was a bold call and did nothing to prove that he should be starting more matches moving forward.

The 22-year-old played 63 minutes of the 3-0 defeat and struggled badly in and out of possession – as per Sofascore, the dud only had seven touches of the ball and missed one 'big chance' to go along with his solitary completed pass.

This shows that the Korean forward did not do enough to get involved in the match and was left isolated on his own up front, whilst the lightweight also flopped in the one moment he had to make an impact by failing to score the aforementioned 'big chance'.

Oh's lack of presence in the no.9 position was on full display as the striker lost 100% (2/2) of his physical duels and this shows that the attacker did not put his body about to cause issues for the opposition's defenders and that led to his lack of involvement in possession.

The January dud did not show enough of a desire to force himself into the game and Postecoglou must ruthlessly ditch him from the XI in order to bring Celtic's top scorer back into the side.

Kyogo has scored 24 goals in 29 Premiership starts this season and has proven himself to be a reliable goalscorer for the Hoops, which is why he should start through the middle ahead of the underwhelming Oh, who flopped in the Old Firm clash, today.

Aston Villa are turning their attention to the summer transfer window as the 2022/23 campaign comes to a close.

Unai Emery has taken the Villans to new heights, with one game remaining of the Spaniard’s first season that could take the Midlands club to Europe.

Not many could have predicted the success that Villa would lead this term, following the dismissal of Steven Gerrard in October, when the club were loitering towards the bottom three.

The 51-year-old Premier League manager of the year nominee, is targeting more highs in his first full season and is reportedly looking towards an active summer in the transfer window.

Reports have linked a number of La Liga names to Villa Park in the coming window, with news reported over the weekend of the potential progression regarding a Real Madrid star.

What’s the latest on Dani Ceballos to Aston Villa?

As reported by one Foot Mercato journalist, Villa are speculated to have made a “very important” offer to Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in Madrid this summer, sparking rumours of his potential exit ahead of Emery’s interest.

The two were first linked in January when it was reported by Marca that the midfielder rejected a potential move.

What could Dani Ceballos bring to Aston Villa?

Ceballos has had a spell in the Premier League previously, as well as working under Emery while on loan at Arsenal.

Described by the Villa boss as a player that can do “great things”, the midfielder could have a real impact on his current side, with FBref likening him based on statistics to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

The Utrera-born play-maker ranks in the top 1% of progressive passes in Europe’s top five leagues in his position, with a monstrous 11.73 per 90. He also ranks highly in terms of take-ons (best 2%), averaging a successful 2.36 per 90 – as per FBref.

Lauded by former boss Mikel Arteta when speaking to BBC as being an "animal" in training, the £52k-per-week ace could be a powerful weapon in Emery's plans.

While his position is comparative to Villa’s Emi Buendia, his numbers over the past year dominate the Argentine as per FBref, with the former Norwich City ace recording just 2.18 progressive passes per 90 and only 0.98 successful take-ons per 90.

The potential arrival of the Madrid man could spark competition with the midfielder in Emery’s system, adding to depth and player performance.

Villa are on the path to great success with the four-time Europa League winner’s guidance, however, the summer window will be crucial as every team in the top tier will look to strengthen.

The club have strong targets for the 2023/24 campaign, and should they seal European football on the final day, Villa Park could become a very tempting location for hot talents to progress their game.

Journalist Charles Watts has revealed that young Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is likely to leave this summer having "caught the attention" of clubs in England and Germany.

Who will Arsenal sell this summer?

Mikel Arteta and co will likely be set for a busy summer with a number of new incomings expected. For instance, £200m might be needed to land targets Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

Of course, though, some exits will happen too and Granit Xhaka is one player who could bring in some money – around £13m to be exact – as he looks set to join Bayer Leverkusen.

The Premier League club will offload over lower-profile players too, and it seems as though 21-year-old goalkeeper Okonkwo could be on the list of summer departures.

Indeed, when talking on his YouTube channel, the journalist how the youngster has caught the eye both at home and abroad with some impressive loan spells.

He explained (5:40): "Arthur Okonkwo, obviously the very young goalkeeper at Arsenal – very highly rated.

"My understanding is there's lots of interest in him this summer. A move looks very likely, he's had a very good loan spell – two very good loan spells in fact.

He added (6:27): "He's caught the attention of a lot of clubs, both in England, but abroad as well, especially in Germany; I believe there's lots of interest in him. he's only got a year left on his contract."

Who is Arthur Okonkwo?

Last summer, the goalkeeper went on loan to Crewe Alexandra before then heading to Austria in January to finish the campaign with Sturm Graz.

He evidently impressed a great deal in that period as Watts now reports he has suitors in both countries ahead of a possible exit from Arsenal.

He played 26 times for the League Two side, keeping 10 clean sheets while in the Austrian Football Bundesliga, he has played 14 games, losing just four times and winning the rest with four clean sheets to his name too.

An England youth international at under-18 level (who can also present Nigeria), Okonkwo has been at the club since joining the Hale End Academy as an eight-year-old but has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners (but has played in pres-eason matches).

With Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner ahead of him in the pecking order though, he might feel as though his career will be better off if he leaves this summer with the promise of regular minutes at a new club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are 'one of the clubs' interested in Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the transfer window opening, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Viktor Gyokeres?

As per talkSPORT, Wolves are 'preparing a summer move' for Gyokeres, which could cost in the region of £25 million to prize him away from the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The report states that West Ham United, Burnley and Leeds United have also shown an interest in the 24-year-old in the past. His potential fate in the off-season has now become clearer, with Coventry now set for another season in the Sky Bet Championship following their loss to Luton Town in the play-off final last weekend.

Football Insider also provided information earlier this month that Gyokeres could be on his way to Molineux, with the outlet claiming that Wolves are 'pushing the hardest' out of all his suitors to try and land the former St Pauli forward.

Everton, Fulham and Crystal Palace are monitoring his situation, potentially creating a transfer tug-of-war to sign one of the Sky Bet Championship's most prolific strikers.

According to The Daily Mail, scouts from several Premier League clubs attended Coventry's play-off final defeat to run the rule over Gyokeres and his teammate Gustavo Hamer.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has said that Wolves will definitely be at the table to try and land Gyokeres this summer.

Jones told FFC: "Gyokeres himself will need to find the right fit. I think it's unlikely he stays at Coventry. He's clearly got ambitions beyond the Championship and coming so close will have given him a taste of what's possible. Wolves are definitely one of the clubs in for him."

Would Viktor Gyokeres be a good signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Gyokeres, who has been hailed as "unplayable", has proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the English second tier and deserves the chance to show off his capabilities on the Premier League stage at an established club like Wolves.

In 2022/23, the Sweden international registered 22 goals and 12 assists from 50 appearances across all competitions for Coventry, as per Transfermarkt.

The powerful striker also managed to average around 2.9 shots and 1.9 key passes per game this term, demonstrating his capacity to perform admirably either as a goalscorer or chance creator, according to WhoScored.

FBRef show that Gyokeres also successfully carried out a monstrous 191 shot-creating actions in the Sky Bet Championship, something which can surely lend credence to the notion that he is ready for the step up to the Premier League.

Wolves will be one of many clubs who want him to take that step and will be desperate to revitalise their offensive options by tempting Gyokeres to Molineux.

Tottenham Hotspur's manager search has gone exactly as the fanbase knew it would, drawing out a process that takes other clubs mere days.

Take Brighton and Hove Albion for example. Having enjoyed a fine start to the season, it looked like their success would be thrown into jeopardy when Graham Potter moved to Chelsea in September. However, less than ten days after that Sky Sports announcement, Roberto De Zerbi had been appointed as his replacement. They have since gone on to surpass the Lilywhites, claiming one of the European spots that they would miss out on.

Given the relative stature of both clubs, it is a miserable indictment of the shambolic running of the former Champions League finalists.

Having dismissed Antonio Conte in late March, it has now been over two months and they are no closer to naming his successor.

Julian Nagelsmann was first ruled out of the running, before Arne Slot snubbed the offer to stay in his homeland. Now, as of late May, rumours are circulating linking them with a swoop for the out-of-work former River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo.

Whilst a newer name on the media merry-go-round, he could actually provide an upgrade to the Dutchman who turned them down last month.

Would Marcelo Gallardo be an upgrade on Arne Slot?

Although the Argentinian has been unemployed since leaving his hometown club in 2022, the 47-year-old is still a revered name by many given the success he earned at River. Pep Guardiola even claimed: "What Gallardo has done with River is incredible."

Across his eight years and 424 games in charge of the club, he would win 12 separate honours, meaning his trophy cabinet is filled to the brim. Although Slot's exploits in this campaign might have made him an attractive proposition, he does not boast half the title-winning acumen of this potential alternative.

Not only this, but Gallardo's time in his homeland also saw him maintain a points-per-match average of 1.88, made all the more impressive given his longevity. He would also concede fewer goals than games, highlighting a defensive solidity that Spurs have lacked this season, having shipped 63 goals in 38 games.

Meanwhile, whilst the Feyenoord boss did lead his team to the Eredivisie title, it marked his first-ever piece of silverware. Levy, whilst he has been lambasted for chasing proven winners like Conte and Jose Mourinho in recent years, must surely avoid going too aggressively in the other direction.

He needs someone young and willing to forge a team to compete in the long run, and there are few in the modern game who can boast such longevity and success as Gallardo, supplemented by his free-flowing 4-3-3 style.

It is the closest they will get to repeating their success with Mauricio Pochettino, which is the very least they must aim for after allowing him to join Chelsea. In fact, journalist Alasdair Gold even suggested in a Q&A: "Gallardo is certainly growing his reputation and some people believe he's similar to Pochettino in style".

With everything Levy needs in a manager, plus that passion and title-winning mentality to boot, Gallardo would mark a surprising but stunning capture to surely surpass what Slot would have achieved in north London.