'He's surprised everybody' - Talent spotter names one to watch in Aston Villa vs Brentford clash

Kristoffer Ajer will be a key man for Aston Villa to surpass if they are to beat Brentford in Saturday's clash.

That is according to former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Villans have recovered from a poor start to the season and will hope to win a third consecutive game across all competitions after beating Coventry City and Tottenham before the break.

But in Brentford, they will face a side yet to lose this season, winning four of their seven games in all competitions.

Ajer featured across the international break with Norway, catching the headlines when he scored a screamer against Portugal in last week's Nations League defeat.

Taking the ball down on the chest, the centre-back let it bounce before rasping a devastating half-volley into the far corner.

Brentford 'one of the form teams'

For Brentford, there are danger men all over the pitch. Kevin Schade and Jaidon Anthony have been in strong form on the wings, while Igor Thiago is a constant threat.

But Villa have quality, too, and Unai Emery will hope that Villa Park can prove its ability to become a fortress once more in the coming weeks.

"Brentford are one of the form teams in the league at the moment. They're an interesting side," King told Football Insider.

"They're made up of players that don't exactly spin off your tongue, do they? It's always difficult to name the eleven in a Brentford team.

"The boy who surprised everybody, and certainly has me, is the Norwegian centre-half, Ajer. The goal he scored against Portugal, blimey. That was some goal, wasn't it? It'll be interesting to see who's fit and who's not fit."

Nicolas Jackson must prove ability

Up against a likely Brentford pairing of Ajer and Jannik Schuster, Nicolas Jackson will be asked to make full use of his best assets.

The striker's pace and ability inside the box will be key if Villa are to come away with three points.

Saturday's clash could also potentially see the return of Brian Madjo on the bench, who has spent the opening months of the season on the injury table.

The hugely exciting 17-year-old striker scored against PSG on his Villa debut in August, and will be keen to take any chance that comes his wa