Match Preview
It is no secret that Brightons record at Villa Park is a poor one. The seagulls have won just once in their last 8 visits to the midlands club. Villa are sitting 3rd in the table and are enjoying another impressive campaign under Unai Emery, but their form has dropped off. Villa's last home game was a 1-0 defeat to high flying Brentford, prior to that they lost 1-0 at home to Everton in another poor performance.. So their form in 2026 at Villa Park is hardly one to fear.
Last time out Villa drew 1-1 to Bournemouth, with of course Brighton limping to defeat at home to Crystal Palace. The fact this game is away from the Amex after the weekends pathetic display is a positive in my view. As mentioned above Villa are struggling for form at home and Brighton can play freely with no pressure. No one is expecting Brighton to prevail and this may just be the tonic needed to help a laboured Brighton side.
Team news
Aston Villa will be without several key players for Wednesday nights fixture against Brighton. Midfielders John Mcginn, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans will all miss the game and there is also doubts surrounding Douglas Luiz (unfit) as well as Onana (niggle). Watkins will look to continue his fine form against Brighton as he is likely to lead the line with Sancho and Buendia operating out wide. The back 4 and goalkeeper will likely be the usual familiar faces with of course the main danger coming from Villas no 10 Morgan Rogers.
Brighton hope to welcome talismanic defender Van Hecke back into the fray for the trip to Birmingham. The defender missed the weekends game with a minor hamstring injury. Gomez will be pushing to return to the starting line up as will Danny Wellbeck. Reliable Sweedish midfielder Ayari is still sidelined as is Wieffer.
Predicted Brighton team
Given the quick turnaround I expect Hurzeler to shuffle his pack. I think the German will go with Verbruggen in goal and a back 4 comprising of Veltman, Dunk, Boscagli and Ferdi. The midfield will be stiffened by the ire-ntroduction of Hinshelwood who will partner Baleba in midfield. Mitoma I believe will sit this one out with Gomez operating from the LW with Gross in the 10 and Minteh from the right. I believe Wellbeck will lead the line.
Score prediction
Contary to the somewhat downbeat atmosphere amongst the Brighton fanbase I actually expect Brighton to come away from this game with a credible 1-1 draw. I believe Villa are struggling with the demand of European football and have a depleted squad. I also believe Villa prefer to play against teams who come on to them and I believe Brighton have the ability to frustrate the midlands side. I predict Brighton to score first with Villa equalising late on.
1-1 Wellbeck to score first
