Brighton vs Aston Villa Preview

• Villa to win
• Diaby to score in the second half?

As the Premier League season draws to a close, Brighton seek to overcome a series of challenging matches to finish strongly, despite a draining European campaign marking their season.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, remain buoyed by their European adventures and domestic successes, eyeing a top-four finish. This upcoming fixture could be pivotal for both teams’ ambitions.

Brighton’s Struggle for Form

Brighton’s current season has shown signs of fatigue as they balance their first European campaign with domestic responsibilities.

The team has experienced a concerning dip in form, having not won in their last six Premier League matches, recording two draws and four losses.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has emphasised the importance of playing with “soul, honour, and pride,” yet recent heavy defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal at home suggest difficulties in regaining their earlier momentum.

The goals have notably dried up at the Amex Stadium, with the team averaging just one goal per game in their last six home league matches (W2, D2, L2). The only goal Brighton scored in April was an own goal, highlighting their current offensive struggles.

Villa’s Resilience on the Road

Aston Villa’s recent experience has been a mixture of highs and lows. A surprising 4-2 defeat to Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final first leg was somewhat mitigated by an indirect boost in their Champions League qualification hopes, thanks to Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham.

Despite the setback, Villa have not lost in Brighton since December 1980, boasting a record of four wins and four draws.

Manager Unai Emery has forged a resilient team, particularly impressive on the road with only one loss since Boxing Day against the reigning champions, Manchester City (W4, D2).

Key Players to Watch

Brighton will be hopeful that João Pedro can rediscover his scoring touch. The forward has eight Premier League goals this season, with a notable six scored after the 55th minute.

For Aston Villa, Moussa Diaby has been crucial in recent fixtures, scoring between the 50th and 60th minute in two of the last three matches. His ability to find the net in the second half could be vital in this encounter.

This match is more than just a late-season fixture. It is a chance for Brighton to rediscover their form and aim for a third consecutive top-half finish, while Villa can solidify their claim for a Champions League spot.

As both teams prepare to face off, the strategies employed by De Zerbi and Emery, along with the performances of key players like João Pedro and Moussa Diaby, will likely be decisive in shaping the outcome of this intriguing Premier League clash.

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Brighton v Aston Villa, 2023/24 | Premier League