Brighton vs Aston Villa Preview: Team News & Prediction
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These two sides experienced very different FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend and that could inform the way this game goes as Brighton and Hove Albion welcome Aston Villa to the AMEX.
Kick-off date/time: Wednesday 2nd April, 2025: UK – 7:45pm / US ET – 2:45pm / US PT – 11:45am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Peacock
Brighton Preview: Seagulls’ frustration
Fabian Hurzeler had overcome some fairly significant pressure from supporters in the aftermath of a 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in early February by going on an extremely impressive run of form but that was ended at the weekend, again against Nottingham Forest.
At the weekend, the Seagulls suffered a defeat to Forest on penalties in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the AMEX Stadium following 120 goalless minutes. Inside 90 minutes, they remain unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions since that 7-0 loss.
Aston Villa Preview: Comfortable for the Villains
Aston Villa, on the other hand, enjoyed a much more comfortable afternoon on Sunday as the Villains hammered Championship side Preston North End by three goals to nil at Deepdale thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford as well as a Jacob Ramsey strike.
Unai Emery’s side have not been as strong as they were in the Premier League this season in comparison to last with a bit of inconsistency but they remain strong and also have a UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to.
Brighton Team News: Webster & Rutter injuries
After limping off with injuries at the weekend in the cup, Fabian Hurzeler has said that both Adam Webester and Georginio Rutter could be out for the rest of this season. The Seagulls also remain without the likes of Igor Julio, Tariq Lamptey, James Milner and Solly March.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Gomez; Minteh, Gruda, Mitoma; Pedro
Unavailable: Steele (Injured), Webster (Injured), Igor (Injured), Veltman (Injured), Lamptey (Injured), Kadioglu (Injured), Milner (Injured), March (Injured), Wieffer (Injured), Rutter (Injured)
Questionable:
Aston Villa Team News: Bailey expected to be out
Unai Emery has said that Jamaica international Leon Bailey is once again expected to be unavailable for this one after receiving a kick in training. England international midfielder Ross Barkley is, though, close to returning to full fitness after returning to training earlier this week.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Tielemens, Kamara; McGinn, Rogers, Asensio; Watkins
Unavailable: Barkley (Fitness), Bailey (Injured)
Questionable:
Brighton vs Aston Villa Prediction
Brighton and Hove Albion arguably shaded the game against Nottingham Forest at the weekend and despite the bitter disappointment in the cup, the Seagulls will hope to maintain momentum in the league as they still chase a top five finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification. Unai Emery has been unwilling to name an unchanged side for a while due to their fixture congestion and another mix and match side down on the south coast, already buoyant and potentially distracted, could well help the hosts get back on track here.
Brighton vs Aston Villa Tip: Double chance – Brighton to win or draw
