Overview
Brighton had an impressive start to the weekend with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. They scored in both sets to take home all 3 points at City Ground.
This success is even more commendable because Forest are in good form, having been boosted after Sean Dyche was appointed as coach. Before losing to Brighton, they had a series of 3 consecutive wins and 5 unbeaten matches in all competitions.
However, Fabian Hurzeler's students still won well enough when they launched 6 shots on target, creating 4 big chances and achieving an xG of up to 2.00.
Therefore, there will be no reason to turn their backs on them after that convincing performance, especially when Brighton is looking forward to another match in the middle of the week.
Amex Stadium has become a stronghold for the Seagulls this season, as they are still unbeaten in all 6 Premier League matches played at home.
Hurzeler's team is also on a 4-match unbeaten streak, thereby hoping to avoid repeating a heavy 0-3 defeat to their opponents in the previous season.
Aston Villa's early season " sleep" seems to have ended when they came back strongly, breaking through to take a familiar position in the Champions League group before this round.
Of course, Unai Emery will want to maintain that momentum, and there is no better way than to defeat the team chasing right behind.
Villa are on a 5-match winning streak in all competitions, currently only 6 points behind the Premier League leaders (before round 14).
However, any discussions about the title race should be put on hold, at least until the Villains have the chance to welcome their current top team next week.
A recent run of head-to-head record against Brighton - three wins in the last five meetings - shows Villa are rated slightly higher.
Personnel situation
In the pre-match press conference, Fabian Hurzeler said Kaoru Mitoma and James Milner were getting closer to their return day, but this match was likely too early for them.
Solly March and Adam Webster are almost certain to be absent as both continue to struggle with long-term injuries.
Last weekend, Stefanos Tzimas came on as a replacement for Danny Welbeck and scored with just two minutes left. That impressive performance could see him given a starting position to rotate the squad.
On the other hand, Unai Emery has reason to be satisfied as he does not have to face a long list of injuries before the busy Christmas period. Currently, only Tyrone Mings is almost certain to be unable to participate.
Ross Barkley's ability to play is still uncertain, after he was brought on in the 75th minute against Wolves but had to rest for only 14 minutes afterwards due to injury.
Expected lineup:
Brighton: Verbruggen, Kadioglu, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Hinshelwood, Gomez, Tzimas.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Tielemans, Onana, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins.
The match between Brighton and Aston Villa takes place at 2:30 am on December 4 (Vietnam time).
