Former Brentford striker Ollie Watkins is Aston Villa's man in form and a player the Bees need to keep an eye on this weekend, says John Townley of Birmingham Live.

The 27-year-old, who scored 49 goals in 143 games during his time in west London and helped the Bees to the 2019/20 Championship play-off final, has been the Villans' talisman this term as they target a top-four spot.

Aston Villa are third in the Premier League table, with an impressive haul of 35 points from their first 16 games. What have you made of what you’ve seen so far?

It has been a sensational start for Aston Villa. They have made a perfect, 100 per cent start at home and, while their away form has been okay, it has certainly not been as poor as many have made out.

Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United have all only won one more game than Villa on the road, while Newcastle United - who have plans to compete for Champions League football, too - have won just one of their eight away games. This is Villa’s best-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

How impressive has it been to see them excel in both the league and the Europa Conference League, but also do so with 12 wins from 12 games at Villa Park across those two competitions?

Villa have dealt with the Thursday-Sunday schedule without a problem, but, in truth, few expected them to struggle in the opening months anyway. Come March, it could be a different story. The pressure of knockout football could take its toll while Villa push for a top-five finish this season.

There is still over half the season to play, but they do look like real top-four contenders at this moment in time. Next year, it will be 28 years since they last finished there, so what would it mean to achieve that?

It would be huge for Villa. While they cannot call on the revenue streams the ‘big six’ can, access to Champions League football would enable them to compete regularly towards the top of the division.

There is a split between the fanbase currently, with some wanting a trophy and the rest tempted by Champions League football. Why can they not have both?

Which player should Brentford fans keep an eye on?

There are a few, but not having midfielder Douglas Luiz available is a blow for Villa, as a lot comes through him.

Ollie Watkins is the man who has been in terrific form under Unai Emery over the past 12 months and he has weighed in with plenty of goals and assists this season, too.

Leon Bailey is also in the form of his life after a couple of underwhelming seasons with Villa after first joining the club.

How is Emery likely to set up his side at the Gtech?

He has two options: whether he plays three centre-backs or a back four against Brentford.

I would predict that he will go with the same team which saw off Manchester City and Arsenal last week - why change a winning team capable of beating last season’s top two in the space of 72 hours?

In that case, Diego Carlos could partner Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres at the back. Youri Tielemans could also move into a deeper role to replace Luiz. Further forward, John McGinn will support Watkins and Bailey, while Emery also has the options of Jacob Ramsey and Moussa Diaby to call on.

Of the four Premier League meetings to date, there have been two draws and a win for each team. What’s your score prediction for this one?

Villa’s away record is not brilliant and Brentford do not lose many at home, so I will say a 1-1 draw, just like last year!