Unai Emery expressed his honour at being nominated for the Ballon d'Or Men's Coach of the Year award, but the Aston Villa boss does not expect to lift the title. 

Emery is part of a five-man shortlist after ending Villa's 30-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League, as well as delivering a fourth-place finish in the Premier League. 

The 54-year-old is up against some tough competition, with Luis Enrique, Mikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente and Vincent Kompany also nominated for the award. 

Carlo Ancelotti scooped the title in 2024, while Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique was the winner last year, having led the Ligue 1 giants to their first Champions League crown. 

"Being nominated for the Ballon d'Or is something to be proud of," Emery told Diario de Sevilla about his nomination. "Sometimes people tell me: 'Unai is undervalued in football'.

"No, I feel very valued in the places I've been, I feel very valued in football in general, and I don't feel like I'm lacking anything.

"I feel like I have a very important place, and for me, it's an honour and a source of pride. I don't know who they'll give it to.

"I imagine the Champions League winner carries a lot of weight, and it could be Luis Enrique, or even winning the World Cup like De la Fuente did.

"That would also have its significance, but I don't know. I think the Europa League winner does too, and that's why I'm in the running, but a little less so."

Here's to you, Unai Emery... The Boss has been nominated for the Men's Coach of the Year award #ballondor https://t.co/0Pq3lyjYwT

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) September 8, 2026

The winner will be announced at the ceremony on October 26, but Emery's attention will now switch to this weekend's clash with Brentford in the Premier League. 

Villa claimed their first win against Tottenham before the international break, while Keith Andrews' side are flying high as they sit fourth in the standings and still unbeaten. 

Brentford thumped London rivals Chelsea 3-0 in their last league match, moving them up to nine points after five games, with Vitaly Janelt key to their strong start. 

Janlet has started all five of Brentford's Premier League matches, while also boasting team-high totals for successful passes (184) and tackles won (10).

His fine form saw him called up to Jurgen Klopp's Germany squad for the very first time, and Janelt believes his time at Brentford has been the best in his career so far. 

"We feel very comfortable here," Janelt said. "The journey is not just being promoted and playing Premier League football – it's the other side as well.

"Having a nice life outside of football, having a baby and a good wife. It's all a big puzzle. I can't complain at all. It's the best time in my football career.

"I'm at a point now where I know what matters and what I want to do. I feel more clearly about what is right for my family."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa – Johan Manzambi

Against Spurs last time out, Manzambi became the second player to both score and assist on their first Premier League start for Villa, after Kevin Phillips in 2005-06. 

The 20-year-old could become the youngest player to net on both of their first two starts for the Villans in the competition, and the first overall since Danny Ings in 2021-22.

1+1 - Johan Manzambi is the second player to both score and assist on their first Premier League start for Aston Villa after Kevin Phillips against Bolton Wanderers in August 2005. Impression. https://t.co/32tMm7l1cr

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 19, 2026

Brentford – Dango Ouattara

Last season against Villa, Ouattara became the first player to score home and away in 1-0 wins against the same team in a Premier League campaign since Raheem Sterling for Manchester City against Arsenal in 2020-21.

No Bees player has netted three winning goals against the same opponent in the competition, though Ouattara will be out to change that at Villa Park.

MATCH PREDICTION: ASTON VILLA WIN

Villa have lost just one of their 11 home league games against Brentford (W4 D6), though it was a 1-0 defeat in this exact fixture last season.

The Villans have, however, lost both of their top-flight games at Villa Park this season. Only in 1946-47 and 1969-70 have they ever been beaten in their opening three home matches of a league campaign.

Emery's side have also recorded the fewest shots (48), shots on target (12) and touches in the opposition box (81) in the 2026-27 Premier League. They also rank bottom for overall expected goals (4.65 xG) and xG from set-pieces (0.39).

Brentford, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last seven league games (W2 D5), the longest active run in the Premier League. Only between October 2022 and March 2023 have they had a better streak without defeat in the competition (12 in a row).

The Bees also completed the double over Villa last season, having won just one of their first eight Premier League games against them (D3 L4).

Andrews' side have also kicked off a league campaign unbeaten in five games (W2 D3) for the first time since 2013-14 in League One under Uwe Rosler, last having a longer unbeaten streak at the start of a season in 2006-07 under Leroy Rosenior (first seven in the third tier).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Aston Villa – 47.8%

Draw – 26.1%

Brentford – 26.2%