Brighton vs Aston Villa Preview
- Both teams to score
- Watkins to score
With FA Cup hopes dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to Nottingham Forest, Brighton turn their attention fully to Premier League business and the pursuit of European qualification.
Fabian Hürzeler will be demanding an immediate response from his players as they look to continue an impressive five-match unbeaten league run (W4, D1) that has placed them within touching distance of the top four.
Their visitors, Aston Villa, are also locked in that same European chase. Unlike Brighton, Unai Emery’s side advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals over the weekend and are aiming to build on that momentum as they look to leapfrog the Seagulls with a crucial away win.
Brighton: Bounce-Back Opportunity at the Amex
After the frustration of cup elimination, Brighton must now channel their energy into the Premier League run-in.
Their league form has been impressive of late, and they’re aiming to win four consecutive top-flight home games for the first time in their history—a feat that would reinforce their credentials as genuine European contenders.
They have been strong at the Amex Stadium this year, with three of their last four league wins coming on home turf. However, recent home meetings with Aston Villa haven’t always gone their way.
Brighton have won just one of the last five league H2Hs at home (D2, L2), though that lone win did come in last season’s corresponding fixture (1-0).
Aston Villa: Balancing Cups and League Ambitions
A 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Preston kept Villa’s domestic cup hopes alive and marked their third consecutive away win in three different competitions, underlining their strength on the road in recent weeks.
But with only two points separating them from Brighton, Emery will know that his side cannot afford a misstep in the league if they are to return to Europe next season.
Villa are targeting back-to-back away league wins for the first time since August, though scoring goals on the road has proven difficult.
They’ve only scored more than once in one of their last ten away league matches, and a positive result here may depend on their ability to keep a clean sheet—something they’ve struggled to do consistently in 2024.
Head-to-Head Stats and Key Trends
- Brighton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches (W4, D1)
- Brighton could win four consecutive home league games for the first time in top-flight history
- Aston Villa have won just one of their last three league H2Hs vs Brighton (D1, L1)
- Villa have not scored more than once in 9 of their last 10 away league games
- Villa won five straight league H2Hs prior to this current two-match winless run
Key Players to Watch
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton)
The Dutch centre-back has been in outstanding form, earning the highest Flashscore rating in two of his last three club appearances. He also found the net in Brighton’s most recent home league win, showcasing his threat at both ends of the pitch.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins remains Villa’s most consistent attacking threat. Of his 13 Premier League goals this season, 11 have either been equalisers or given Villa the lead, underlining his importance in pivotal moments. He’ll be the focal point of Villa’s attack once again.
Prediction: Tight Contest Between European Hopefuls
Both teams are in solid league form, and both have ambitions of finishing in the European places. Brighton have been particularly strong at home, while Villa have been gaining momentum on their travels in all competitions.
However, Villa’s lack of consistent scoring away from home and Brighton’s excellent home run may tilt the balance in favour of the hosts, particularly if they react positively to their FA Cup disappointment.
Predicted Score: Brighton 2-1 Aston Villa
Brighton make history with four consecutive top-flight home wins, while Villa’s challenge falters slightly as they balance multiple competitions in the run-in.
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Brighton v Aston Villa, 2024/25 | Premier League