For their final game of 2024 Aston Villa will host Brighton and you can find our preview, prediction, team news and confirmed lineups below.
Aston Villa vs Brighton Preview
Aston Villa played like they were still hungover from Christmas on Boxing Day and a 3-0 drumming from the in form Newcastle was more than deserved.
Jhon Duran picked up a red card early against the Magpies after kicking out at Fabian Schar and with 10 men Unai Emery’s side weren’t able to lay a glove on their opponents.
Aston Villa have won five of the last six meetings between these teams but Brighton won the only Premier League match in 2024 by one goal to nil.
Brighton are also struggling in the league as the year comes to an end and the Seagulls haven’t won since they beat Manchester City on the 9th of November.
Last time out Brighton drew a blank against Brentford and the 0-0 draw meant Fabian Hürzeler’s side dropped down to 10th in the league.
A win for the visitors on Monday night would leapfrog them to above Villa, but having not won in nearly two months they might struggle.
Aston Villa vs Brighton Team News
Duran was red carded for violent conduct early on Boxing Day and despite Villa’s appeal, the striker will serve a three match ban for his kick out. Ollie Watkins will return to the starting lineup in Duran’s place.
Matty Cash accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season during Villa’s loss to Newcastle last time out so will also miss out against Brighton through suspension.
Solly March made his long awaited return from ACL injury this week in his first appearance in 14 months and he provides another option on the right for Brighton.
Danny Welbeck will remain on the sidelines as he struggles to get back to full health with an ankle injury, meaning Joao Pedro will continue to lead the line.
Aston Villa vs Brighton Confirmed Lineups
Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; O’Riley, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Joao Pedro
Aston Villa vs Brighton Prediction
Brighton haven’t won since the beginning of November but they face opposition also struggling for form on Monday and there shouldn’t be much between the teams at Villa Park.
Villa are the current favourites according to UK betting sites and they still have a lot of firepower without Duran up front and in his absence Ollie Watkins can shine given a chance back in the starting XI.
Although it could be close between the sides, Villa could just get the better of Brighton who are in desperate need for a win to close the year out.
Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Brighton
