Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Team News, Title Race Implications and Key Battles

Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Wednesday night looking to maintain their place in the Premier League title race as they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the West Midlands.

With midweek Premier League action underway, the stakes are high for both sides. A victory for Aston Villa could see them move level on points with Manchester City in second place, depending on City’s result against Fulham. Brighton, meanwhile, could climb from 14th to 11th with an away win if other results fall in their favour.

Villa Seeking Response After Bournemouth Frustration

Unai Emery’s side were left frustrated at the weekend after drawing away at Bournemouth.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring with a powerful strike at the near post, but Bournemouth responded through Brazilian youngster Rayan early in the second half. Villa were forced to rely heavily on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who produced outstanding saves including two crucial stops to deny Ryan Christie late in the match.

Despite the dropped points, Villa remain firmly in the title conversation and now look to complete a league double over Brighton for the third time under Unai Emery, having achieved it in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

Brighton Fighting to Avoid Slipping Further

Brighton arrive under pressure.

Managed by Fabian Hurzeler, the Seagulls are winless in five Premier League matches and sit just eight points above the relegation zone.

Their most recent defeat to Crystal Palace extended a worrying run, and with only 13 games remaining, Brighton urgently need points to avoid being dragged deeper into the bottom-half battle.

Team News

Aston Villa Injuries | Villa remain without:

• John McGinn (knee)

• Youri Tielemans (ankle)

• Boubacar Kamara (season-ending knee injury)

This midfield crisis means Douglas Luiz is expected to start again. The Brazilian recently returned to Villa after a difficult spell in Italy and will play a crucial role in stabilising Emery’s side.

Brighton Injuries | Brighton are without:

• Yasin Ayari (shoulder)

• Stefanos Tzimas (ACL)

• Adam Webster (ACL)

  
  

Mats Wieffer could return but remains doubtful.

What’s at Stake?

Villa are looking to avoid a third consecutive home defeat something not seen since 2020.

Brighton, meanwhile, are chasing just their second win at Villa Park in seven visits.

One side is chasing legitimacy in the title race.

The other is fighting to avoid being pulled into danger.

Villa Park under the lights adds intensity to what is already a crucial fixture in two very different battles at opposite ends of the Premier League table.