Brighton Set to Battle Aston Villa: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
A top-tier Premier League showdown awaits this Wednesday. Currently sitting fourth after 13 matchdays, Aston Villa make the journey to face fifth-positioned Brighton & Hove Albion.
This encounter appears to be a European qualification battle between two sides enjoying decent momentum. Brighton have secured victory in three of their previous four fixtures, halting Nottingham Forest's three-match winning run last Sunday with a commanding 2–0 triumph.
Aston Villa currently represent the Premier League's most impressive form team, boasting an outstanding five straight victories across all tournaments, with their most recent success coming last Sunday at Villa Park against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Villans have the opportunity to strengthen their top-four position with victory at Brighton on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Brighton could leapfrog their visitors with a home triumph in front of their supporters.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.
What Time Does Brighton vs. Aston Villa Kick Off?
Brighton vs. Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Brighton | Aston Villa |
|---|---|
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brighton | Aston Villa 1-0 Wolves |
Brighton 2-1 Brentford | Aston Villa 2-1 BSC Young Boys |
Crystal Palace 0-0 Brighton | Leeds 1-2 Aston Villa |
Brighton 3-0 Leeds | Aston Villa 4-0 Bournemouth |
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton | Aston Villa 2-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv |
How to Watch Brighton vs. Aston Villa on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Peacock |
United Kingdom | Sky Go UK, NOWSKY GO Extra, Sky Sports Cricket |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada |
Brighton Team News
Fabian Hürzeler had concerns about Georginio Rutter's availability for Wednesday's Aston Villa encounter. The French player, who departed Sunday's Nottingham Forest match following a head collision, may still participate in the fixture.
During Tuesday's press conference, Brighton's head coach explained: "It wasn't a concussion, but naturally, we must follow protocol as player welfare remains our priority."
Solly March and Adam Webster remain unavailable due to ongoing knee problems.
James Milner will also miss the encounter against his previous employers, continuing to deal with a muscle problem sustained during the late October Manchester United defeat.
Kaoru Mitoma's participation remains uncertain, having been absent since the September 27 Chelsea victory.
Brighton Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa
Brighton predicted lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gomez, De Cuyper; Welbeck.
Aston Villa Team News
After Aston Villa's local derby victory against Wolves this weekend, Unai Emery received news that Ross Barkley faces more than two months on the sidelines. The English midfielder sustained a knee injury during the closing moments of Sunday's match.
The Villans continue managing Tyrone Mings's hamstring issue. Emery informed media on Tuesday that the England defender remains approximately "four weeks" from match fitness.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs. Brighton (4-1-4-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
Brighton vs. Aston Villa Score Prediction
Brighton have transformed the Amex Stadium into an impenetrable venue in recent times. Winners of their previous three home encounters, the Seagulls haven't suffered defeat on home soil since April 2... against Aston Villa.
Since that setback, Brighton have maintained an unbeaten home record spanning 13 consecutive matches. An remarkable sequence that Hürzeler and his squad aim to extend.
Aston Villa maintain their five-game winning momentum, but may experience fatigue from fixture congestion. Following the November international period, Villa face their fourth fixture in 11 days on Wednesday, with a home Arsenal encounter next Saturday looming large.