Overview
Brighton need to forget the defeat to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup quarter-finals to return to the Premier League arena. They still have a chance to compete for a ticket to the European Cup next season.
In fact, Brighton's form in the Premier League is quite impressive with a series of 5 consecutive unbeaten matches (4 wins, 1 draw). Coach Fabian Hurzeler's team scored 13 goals during this period and only conceded 4 goals.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, beat Preston 3-0 to advance straight to the FA Cup semi-finals. It was also the third consecutive away win for coach Unai Emery's team in all competitions, in addition to defeats to Brentford (Premier League) and Club Brugge (Champions League).
However, if only counting the Premier League, The Villans have won 1 of their last 4 away matches. This shows that the Villa Park team could well stumble against Brighton.
In the first leg between the two teams, the attack party appeared and ended in a 2-2 draw. With the current situation and the strong attack of both Brighton and Aston Villa, it is likely that both sides will continue to share points in an exciting match with many goals.
With 4 goals in the last 5 appearances for Brighton in all competitions, Joao Pedro will certainly attract the attention of Villa's defense.
Meanwhile, Villa's Morgan Rogers has averaged one shot on target per Premier League game this season. The England international will be highly regarded for Emery's attack.
Personnel situation
Like last weekend, Brighton could enter this important match with 6 first-team players absent due to injury.
On the other side of the front line, Chelsea loaned player Axel Disasi will return to play for Aston Villa after missing the FA Cup.
Expected lineup:
Brighton: Verbruggen, Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan, Baleba, Gomez, Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers, Asensio, Rashford, Watkins.
The match between Brighton and Aston Villa takes place at 1:45 am on January 3 (Vietnam time).
