Aston Villa look to put their Boxing Day nightmare behind them when they face Brighton in the final game of 2024.
The trip to Tyneside was a nasty Christmas present from the Premier League’s schedule makers, with Villa struggling to establish themselves in the contest after Anthony Gordon struck almost immediately after the first whistle.
Jhon Duran’s send-off ensured them limped to a 3-0 defeat just days after their borderline euphoric 2-1 home win over champions Manchester City. As a result, they go into Monday’s game in ninth and just two points clear of their out-of-form visitors.
A draw with Brentford on Friday night means Brighton have yet to taste victory since November 23. Their winless streak extended to six games, but the Seagulls certainly played a game deserving of more points.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have drawn eight of their 18 league matches, including the previous two.
Here 90 minutes guide for monday Premier League duel at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Brighton H2H record (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Aston Villa |
Brighton |
|---|---|
|
Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa – 26.12.24 |
Brighton 0-0 Brentford – 27.12.24 |
|
Aston Villa 2-1 Man City – 21.12.24 |
West Ham 1-1 Brentford – 21.12.24 |
|
Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa – 14.12.24 |
Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace – 15.12.24 |
|
RB Leipzig 2-3 Aston Villa – 12.10.24 |
Leicester 2-2 Brighton – 12.08.24 |
|
Aston Villa 1-0 Southampton – 7.12.24 |
Fulham 3-1 Brighton – 12.05.25 |
|
Earth |
TV channel/live broadcast |
|---|---|
|
Great Britain |
It was not televised |
|
United States |
Peacock |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada |
Jacob Ramsey remains Villa’s only injury concern and Emery said the midfielder could return to his squad on Monday night. Ramsey has been sidelined since mid-November with a hamstring problem.
The Villans had theirs The FA rejected an appeal against Duran’s dismissal at St James’ Parkso he will start with a three-game ban on Monday. Ollie Watkins will certainly replace the young striker in the XI.
Matty Cash is also suspended after the right-back picked up his fifth booking of the Premier League season on Boxing Day. Ezri Konsa was previously a substitute for the Polish international, and Diego Carlos entered Villa’s defence.
Predicted line-up of Aston Villa vs Brighton (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
Mats Wieffer missed against Brentford after suffering a knock at West Ham just minutes after scoring his first Brighton goal. The Dutch midfielder is again a question mark, but is not expected to be out for any length of time.
Adam Webster is closing in on a return after Solly March made a long-awaited return from the bench on Friday night. March could be in contention to start on Monday.
The Seagulls are still without Danny Welbeck, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner and Jack Hinshelwood due to injury.
Predicted line-up of Brighton vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O’Riley; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Rutter.
Injuries took their toll Brighton team, but while their winless streak looks problematic on paper, Hurzeler doesn’t seem too far away from overseeing a resurgence. One big score may be all it takes.
And this could be the reason for that.
Of course, Villa they are very good at home but must be reeling after their holiday nightmare on Tyneside. They have struggled for consistency all season and the Seagulls could cash in on some wasted xG at Villa Park. According to FBRefHurzeler’s team should have won four of their previous six games based on the quantity and quality of chances they created and conceded. In reality, they won nothing.
This is where their luck may be turning.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Brighton
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