AliousAston Villa are set to resume their Premier League campaign with a crucial midweek showdown against Brighton & Hove Albion, a fellow contender for European qualification, at the American Express Stadium.
Unai Emery’s squad heads into the fixture on a high after a commanding 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Preston North End on Sunday, but they’ll face a sterner test against the in-form Seagulls.
Brighton, currently seventh, hold a two-point edge over Villa after 29 matches and boast an unbeaten run of five consecutive Premier League games, a streak matched only by Liverpool, with 13 points from their last 15 available.
Villa, however, have history on their side, losing just twice in their last 11 league encounters with Brighton, securing six victories—including last season’s 6-1 thrashing at Villa Park—and drawing the rest.
With the Premier League as Emery’s top priority over the FA Cup and Champions League, he’s expected to field a formidable lineup to halt Brighton’s momentum.
Here’s our take on the starting XI Emery might deploy:
GK – Emi Martinez: The two-time Yashin Trophy recipient has been a brick wall lately, posting clean sheets in three of his last four outings for Villa—a sharp turnaround from earlier struggles.
RB – Axel Disasi: Rested during the international window and ineligible for the FA Cup tie, Disasi could slot in at right-back, where he impressed against Brentford’s wingers last month.
CB – Ezri Konsa: A rock-solid presence for Villa this season, Konsa’s consistency and adaptability have been invaluable, rarely delivering a subpar performance.
CB – Pau Torres: Though it’s tough to sideline Tyrone Mings, Torres is now fit again after injury and overdue for a return to the starting lineup, having had ample time to regain his sharpness.
LB – Lucas Digne: Despite Ian Maatsen’s eagerness, Digne’s recent form—including two assists against Preston—has solidified his claim as the primary left-back in a competitive battle.
CM – Boubacar Kamara: Back to full fitness and a starter in the Preston win, Kamara’s excellence makes him a non-negotiable pick whenever he’s available.
CM – Youri Tielemans: Equally effective in a deeper role as he was further forward, Tielemans has logged more minutes than any Villa player this season and continues to shine.
RM – Morgan Rogers: Thriving on the right since Marco Asensio’s arrival, Rogers earned a well-deserved England debut over the international break.
LM – Marcus Rashford: Riding the wave of a brace against Preston, Rashford’s confidence is soaring. Dropping the in-form Jacob Ramsey is a bold call, but a sacrifice is inevitable.
CAM – Marco Asensio: With seven goals in his first nine Villa appearances, Asensio’s scintillating form makes him a lock for the attacking midfield role.
ST – Ollie Watkins: Seemingly recovered from injury, Watkins is poised to reclaim his spot up top, nudging Rashford back to the left flank as a result.
This lineup reflects Emery’s intent to blend recent form, returning players, and tactical balance as Villa aim to upset Brighton’s impressive run.
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