Aston Villa vs Brighton: Predicted lineups, confirmed team news and score prediction | OneFootball

Ninth-placed Aston Villa welcome Brighton & Hove Albion in a crucial Premier League encounter on Monday night, with both teams looking to end their year on a positive note after recent struggles. Villa, fresh from a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United, aim to maintain their impressive home record against a Brighton side winless in their last six league matches.

Recent form and standings

The Boxing Day clash at St. James' Park proved costly for Villa, as forward Jhon Duran received a red card in the first half for a contentious stamp on Fabian Schar. Manager Unai Emery voiced his concerns about referee Anthony Taylor's decision, but the club's appeal against the dismissal was unsuccessful. The defeat marked Villa's fifth straight Premier League loss away from home.

Villa Park has become a challenging venue for visitors, with the hosts losing just once in their previous 14 home league fixtures – a defeat to Arsenal in August. Three consecutive home victories have kept Villa within striking distance of the Champions League spots, just one point behind fifth-placed Newcastle United.

Brighton's recent form paints a different picture. Their goalless draw against Brentford, despite controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, extended their winless run to six league games. The Seagulls, currently tenth in the table and trailing Villa by a point, have managed only four victories in their last 22 away league matches.

Team updates and selection dilemmas

Villa's lineup will see necessary changes due to suspensions. Jhon Duran begins his three-match ban, paving the way for Ollie Watkins to return to the starting lineup. Matty Cash's yellow card accumulation means Ezri Konsa will likely shift to right-back, partnering Diego Carlos with Pau Torres in central defence. Jacob Ramsey's potential return from a hamstring injury offers Emery an additional option.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler received a boost with Solly March's comeback after a 14-month ACL injury layoff. However, the visitors remain without Danny Welbeck, James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Jack Hinshelwood.

Adam Webster and Mats Wieffer's availability remains uncertain. The attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma, and Brajan Gruda will lead Brighton's offensive efforts.

Predicted lineups

Aston Villa: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, Onana, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins

Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan, Baleba, O'Riley, Gruda, Rutter, Mitoma, Pedro

Match analysis and expected outcome

Villa's commanding home performances suggest they hold the advantage, particularly against Brighton's struggling away record. Ollie Watkins, with six goals in seven league appearances against Brighton, emerges as a key figure in Duran's absence. Brighton's creative forces, Mitoma and Gruda, possess the skill to challenge Villa's modified defensive setup.

The match appears set for a 2-1 Villa victory, with their home strength likely to overcome Brighton's recent difficulties. Both teams' current circumstances and tactical adjustments will play crucial roles in determining the final outcome of this Premier League battle.