Aston Villa are looking to put their Boxing Day nightmare behind them when they face Brighton in their final game of 2024.
A trip to Tyneside was a poor Christmas present from the Premier League fixtures, and Villa looked to assert themselves in the race as Anthony Gordon struck almost immediately after the first whistle.
Jhon Duran's dismissal assured them limped off in a 3-0 loss 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 place and just two points clear of their out-of-form visitors.
A stalemate with Brentford on Friday night means Brighton are yet to taste victory since November 23. Their winless run has stretched to six games, but the Seagulls have certainly produced performances that deserve more points.
Fabian Hurzeler's side have drawn eight of their 18 league encounters, including their previous two outings.
Here it is 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 – 10/12/24 |
Leicester 2-2 Brighton – 08/12/24 |
|
Aston Villa 1-0 Southampton – 07/12/24 |
Fulham 3-1 Brighton – 05/12/25 |
|
country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Not televised |
|
United States |
peacock |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 4 Canada |
Jacob Ramsey remains Villa's only injury concern, and Emery has 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 an appeal against Duran's dismissal at St James' Park was rejected by the FAso he will begin his three-game ban on Monday. Ollie Watkins is fully guaranteed to replace the young striker in the XI.
Matty Cash is also suspended after the right-back picked up his fifth penalty of the Premier League season on Boxing Day. Ezri Konsa has previously replaced the Polish representative with Diego Carlos who has come to protect Villa.
Aston Villa predicted formation against Brighton (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
Mats Wieffer missed the game against Brentford after picking up a knock at West Ham just minutes after scoring his first Brighton goal. The Dutch midfielder is once again a doubt, but he is not expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
Adam Webster is close to a comeback after Solly March made his long-awaited return from the bench on Friday night. Mars could be in contention for a start on Monday.
The Seagulls are still without Danny Welbeck, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner and Jack Hinshelwood due to injury.
Brighton predicted formation against Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Consume; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Stupinan; Baleba, O'Riley; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Rutter.
Injuries have taken their toll on that Brighton team, but while their winless run looks tenuous on paper, Hurzeler doesn't seem far from overseeing a revival. A great result may be all that is required.
And that may be the case for him.
Of course, villa are very good at home but they must be shocked after their Tyneside festive nightmare. They have struggled for consistency all season and the Seagulls can cash in on some lost xGs at Villa Park. According to FBRefHurzeler's side should have won four of the previous six games based on the quantity and quality of chances they created and conceded. In fact, they won none.
This is where their luck may turn.