Aston Villa vs Brighton: Preview, predictions and lineups

Aston Villa are looking to put their Boxing Day nightmare behind them when they face Brighton in their final game of 2024.

A trip up to Tyneside was a nasty Christmas present from the Premier League schedule-makers, and Villa struggled to assert themselves on the contest after Anthony Gordon struck almost immediately after the first whistle.

Jhon Duran’s sending-off ensured they limped to a 3-0 defeat just days after their borderline euphoric 2-1 home win over the champions Manchester City. As a result, they head into Monday’s game in ninth and just two points better off than their out-of-form visitors.

A stalemate with Brentford on Friday evening means Brighton still haven’t tasted victory since 23 November. Their winless run has extended to six games, but the Seagulls have certainly produced performances deserving of more points.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side have drawn eight of their 18 league encounters, including their previous two outings.

Here is Hattrickx’s guide to Monday’s Premier League duel at Villa Park.

What time does Aston Villa vs Brighton kick-off?

• Location: Birmingham, England
• Stadium: Villa Park
• Date: Monday 30 December
• Kick-off: 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
• Referee: Craig Pawson
• VAR: Stuart Attwell

• Aston Villa: 4 wins
• Brighton: 1 win
• Draws: 0

• Last meeting: Brighton 1-0 Aston Villa (5 May 2024) – Premier League

How to watch Aston Villa vs Brighton on TV – UK and US

Aston Villa team news

Jacob Ramsey remains Villa’s only injury concern, and Emery has said the midfielder could return to his squad on Monday night. Ramsey has been out since mid-November with a hamstring problem.

The Villans had their appeal against Duran’s dismissal at St James’ Park rejected by the FA, so he’ll start his three-match ban on Monday. Ollie Watkins is all but guaranteed to replace the young forward in the XI.

Matty Cash is also suspended after the right-back picked up his fifth booking of the Premier League season on Boxing Day. Ezri Konsa has previously deputised for the Polish international with Diego Carlos coming into Villa’s defence.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brighton

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.

Brighton team news

Mats Wieffer missed out against Brentford having sustained a knock at West Ham just minutes after netting his first Brighton goal. The Dutch midfielder is once again a doubt, but he isn’t expected to be sidelined for a prolonged period.

Adam Webster is closing in on a return after Solly March made his long-awaited comeback off the bench on Friday evening. March may well be in contention for a start on Monday.

The Seagulls are still without Danny Welbeck, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner and Jack Hinshelwood due to injury.

Brighton predicted lineup vs Aston Villa

Brighton predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O’Riley; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Rutter.

Aston Villa vs Brighton score prediction

Injuries have taken their toll on this Brighton team, but while their winless run looks troublesome on paper, Hurzeler doesn’t seem too far away from overseeing a resurgence. One big result may be all that’s required.

And this might be the occasion for it.

Sure, Villa are very good at home but they must be reeling after their festive Tyneside nightmare. They’ve struggled for consistency all season, and the Seagulls could cash in some wasted xG at Villa Park. According to FBRef, Hurzeler’s side should’ve won four of their previous six games based on the quantity and quality of the chances which they created and conceded. In reality, they won none.

This may be where their luck turns.