Brighton & Hove Albion look to continue their improved form as they welcome Aston Villa to the AMEX Stadium in Saturday Night Football from the Premier League.
Victory could send Brighton up to 14th until at least early-afternoon on Sunday, whereas Villa could go as high as seventh with a win.
Team News
Davy Propper could return for Brighton after recovering from a groin injury.
Adam Webster (ankle) is also set to be in contention for selection but Alireza Jahanbakhsh (ankle), Tariq Lamptey (hamstring), Florian Andone and Solly March (both knee) remain ruled out.
Aston Villa have no fresh injury concerns as Wesley (fitness) and Kortney Hause (foot) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Brighton are unbeaten in two of their three previous Premier League meetings against Aston Villa, with both teams scoring in those three clashes (W1, D1, L1).
- Villa are unbeaten in their last five trips to Brighton across all competitions (W2, D3).
- Graham Potter’s Seagulls have scored first in all three Premier League meetings against Villa.
- Four of Villa’s last seven league goals have been scored by Ollie Watkins.
- No Brighton player has had more shots in the league so far this season than the 48 produced by Neal Maupay.
Prediction
Brighton will feel hard done by following Wednesday’s cruel FA Cup exit at Leicester on the brink of extra time but at least they can focus on continuing their recent improvement in the league, and perhaps target a more solid mid-table finish which will benefit them financially more than in recent seasons.
Villa meanwhile were superb last weekend against Arsenal because they got the early goal then sat back and soaked up waves of attacks with a strong defensive display and Emiliano Martinez at his fearsome best in goal.
I however felt that Villa could of been more clinical with later attacks that they got in that match but looking ahead, this fixture has certainly seen goals in all three previous matches so expect a tight contest but I have a feeling that the Villains should have the edge due to extra preparation time.
Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Aston Villa
Result: Brighton 0-0 Aston Villa