Aston Villa FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Aston Villa FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match Prediction & Analysis

Villa felt the perils of traveling to the North East in their last outing against a rampant Newcastle side that has picked up impeccable form. The midlanders were unfortunate to go a goal down 80 seconds from kick-off. Jhon Duran’s challenge on Fabian Schar called for a red card and put any hopes of getting back into the game to bed. The 21 year old Colombian has been this season’s surprise package netting 12 times so far. 

But, Unai Emery will know that a lot more learning and maturing will be expected, if he is to hit higher highs. The Red card means Duran misses games against Brighton, Leicester and an FA Cup tie against West Ham. His counterpart Ollie Watkins will be called into action to pick up from where the Colombian has left off. 

Brighton’s winless run continued to 6 games as they endured a stalemate against the Bees. On a cold night at the Amex Julio Enciso came closest to breaking the deadlock when his curling effort hit the upright. The only positive from the game was Solly March’s return after having missed 14 months of football because of a deadly knee injury in 2023. The Seagulls have now been part of a bland conversation in comparison to the fluid football which everyone initially fancied. 

Boos were heard at the Amex after the game with Brighton fans now demanding more from their team - after having done well in the previous few seasons. Exactly a month ago Brighton were sitting on 5th, in the mix with Chelsea and Arsenal pushing for a European spot. But ever since, they’ve dropped numerous points and now find themselves having to clean up this mess. 

Head to Head Record - Both teams have played each other 10 times. Aston Villa have won 6, Brighton have won 2, with 2 draws being played out. Villa has scored 18 goals against Brighton. The Seagulls have scored 8 against Villa. 

Current Standings - Villa currently sit in 9th position with 28 points. Brighton are only a position below in 10th with 26 points. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Aston Villa FC Preview

The midlanders have a good record against Brighton in the Premier League. Out of 6 recent games, they’ve won 5. Emery’s men will look at ending the calendar year on a positive note against a side that seems incapable of registering victories. Since a 2-0 loss at Arsenal, the midlanders are unbeaten in their last 8 Premier League home games at Villa Park. Out of their previous 14 home games, they’ve won 7 and drawn 6. Martinez has been leaking in goals. For a goalkeeper of his stature, he will demand his backline to be more close and compact. The FIFA Best Goalkeeper winner has kept only 2 clean sheets in 23 Premier league games. 

Watkins back

The Englishman has scored more goals in the Premier League against the Seagulls than he has against any other opposition. Out of his 6 goals, three came in a hat-trick in this same fixture when Villa beat Brighton 6-1 last season. With Jhon Duran being suspended, Ollie Watkins should try hard to rediscover his hidden spark. 

Stats That Matter

Aston Villa are ranked 11th in ball possession with 49.7% averaging 12.4 shots per game. The Lions score an average of 1.44 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 34%. Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins are the top scorers with 7 goals each this season. The team has an average of 2.7 saves per game, the 16th best in the season. They have conceded an average of 1.61 goals per match.

Injury - Jacob Ramsey is out injured. 

Aston Villa probable XI - Martinez (GK), Carlos, Konsa, Torres, Digne (DEF), Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Rogers, Tielemans (MID), Watkins (FWD). 

Brighton & Hove Albion Preview

The Seagulls possess a less than impressive record against Villa having won just one of their 14 away league games - drawing 3 and losing 10. Being in the Premier League for 7 seasons, Brighton have lost only 2 of their last game of the calendar year. Brighton have made it a habit scoring the first in more different Premier League away games than the Seagulls this season (7). Hurzeler has been struggling to get his team to complete the job. Brighton might need to be active in the January market if goal scoring becomes a bigger issue. 

A team effort

The Seagulls have scored 14 goals on the road this season. Those goals have been spread across the team with Hurzeler happy. 10 different players have chipped in, with Joao Pedro, Welbeck, Baleba and Mitoma the only players who’ve scored more than once on their travels. 

Stats That Matter

Brighton are ranked 6th in ball possession with 54.1% averaging 14.9 shots per game. The Seagulls score an average of 1.5 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 32%. Danny Welbeck is the top scorer with 6 goals. Joao Pedro has also scored 4 goals this season. The team has an average of 2.8 saves per game, the 14th best in the season. They have conceded an average of 1.44 goals per match.

Injury - Milner, Webster, Hinshelwood, Kadioglu, Welbeck and Wieffer are out injured. 

Brighton probable XI - Verbruggen (GK), Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan (DEF), Baleba, O’Riley, Gruda, Encisco, Mitoma (MID), Pedro (FWD). 

ASTON VILLA FC vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Winning Prediction

Aston Villa have been inconsistent this season. They had a very good start, but then eventually faded. Unai Emery will want to start the new year on a positive note. A win against Brighton will send an affirmative message across the Premier League. The Seagulls are in dire need of a win. Welbeck has been exceptional this season and will hope he returns soon. Football has become slightly predictable. All that the German manager needs is a win to keep the noise at bay, but it won’t be happening at Villa Park - courtesy to a Watkins show. 

Aston Villa to Win (1-0)

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