Brighton vs Aston Villa: Premier League Preview and Prediction
Brighton & Hove Albion take on Aston Villa at the Amex on Wednesday as both teams look to get their European qualification hopes back on track. Brighton need to get back to winning ways, Villa need to make it six wins in a row.
Team News & Tactics
Brighton & Hove Albion
Fabian Hurzeler has a selection dilemma with ten first team players out injured. Adam Webster and Georginio Rutter are the latest to join the long injury list which includes Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey and Solly March. Brighton will line up in a 4-2-3-1 and look to control the midfield and get width.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Gomez; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Joao Pedro will be pivotal in the No. 10 role, while Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh provide pace and creativity on the flanks. Danny Welbeck leads the attack.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has no fresh injury concerns apart from Ross Barkley’s continued absence due to a knee injury. Villa are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Rogers, Asensio, Rashford; Watkins.
Ollie Watkins spearheads the attack with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio supporting from wide positions. Youri Tielemans will partner Amadou Onana in midfield to control the tempo of the game.
Key Stats
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Brighton have won their last three Premier League home games but have lost five consecutive matches against Aston Villa in all competitions.
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Aston Villa have scored 14 goals in their last five encounters with Brighton while conceding only three.
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Brighton have scored at least two goals in their last five league matches but have also conceded in 76% of games this season.
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Ollie Watkins has six goals in seven league appearances against Brighton, including a hat-trick earlier this season.
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Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last four domestic league games following European matches this season (W3 D1).
Player to Watch
Joao Pedro (Brighton)
The Brazilian has been Brighton’s best player this season and has four goal involvements against Aston Villa – more than any other team in his Premier League career. With two goals in his last two home games Pedro will be key to Brighton’s attack as they look to end their losing streak against Villa.
Brighton vs Aston Villa Prediction
Brighton are strong at home, but Villa have the upper hand over the Seagulls. Both teams have attacking threats, but a draw looks likely, given their form.
Brighton 1-1 Aston Villa
Brighton vs Aston Villa Live Stream
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