Aston Villa host Brighton today (Saturday) with Unai Emery trying to inspire his men after a Carabao Cup defeat to Everton in midweek.
Villa Park (12:30pm) will welcome the Seagulls as they try for their third consecutive league victory. The visitors, who currently sit third, are eager to maintain their position in the top three.
We look at the build-up to the match, including news from both camps as well as the latest views and facts about the Premier League meeting between the two sides.
Ansu Fati could be given another chance against Villa in Saturday’s midday kick-off, according to Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Fati, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Barcelona, might make his debut. This month, the 20-year-old earned his debut off the bench in a 3-1 win over Manchester United and impressed when called upon against Bournemouth.
He also played 45 minutes in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea before being taken off as a precaution. With a trip to Villa on the horizon, De Zerbi said he did not want to risk an injury.
“Before the game I spoke with him, because Ansu played 45 minutes on Sunday against Bournemouth.” According to De Zerbi. “Now, when I decide on the starting XI, I stay in the office with my staff and the medical staff, because Ansu didn’t play as many games with Barcelona in the previous period.”
“It’s a big risk for him and for us if I play him for 90 minutes, 90 minutes, 90 minutes.” After the game, I spoke with him and informed him he could only play 45 minutes in order to be in good shape for Saturday’s major game.”
Summer commitment Carlos Baleba made his debut at Stamford Bridge, but the league encounter this weekend may be too soon for the 19-year-old.
After recovering from injuries, Diego Carlos and Bertrand Traore returned to the matchday squad. However, they did not play and may be given some minutes on Saturday.Meanwhile, Alex Moreno was nominated to Villa’s matchday squads against Crystal Palace and Legia Warsaw, but he was not confident enough to play against Chelsea or Everton.Here’s a rundown of the club’s injury situation…
Mr. Alex Moreno
After the win over Chelsea, Emery stated that Moreno will need a few weeks to come back up to speed before being chosen to the team again.
West Ham United (22 October) could make a comeback.
Bailey, Leon
He was seen limping off against Everton and could be out for several weeks.
Possible
“Villa are on an impressive run of nine consecutive home Premier League wins and have won their last four league games against Brighton, scoring exactly two goals each time,” Betway spokesman Chad Yeomans said. Villa to win 2-1 is gaining popularity among bettors and is offered at an increased price of 10/1 with us.Ollie Watkins scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Chelsea last time out, and we’ve increased his odds to score the first goal and Villa to win to 17/2.”The verdict of a BBC Sport pundit
Unai Emery’s team defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge after fighting back to win all three points against Crystal Palace. The Seagulls are unbeaten in the league.
Predicted starting lineup
Brighton has won five of their first six league games, while Villa has lost twice in the league, at Newcastle and Liverpool. Emery will bring back Emi Martinez and Lucas Digne for the game, and is expected to stick with Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, and Pau Torres to round out the defensive.Despite being weary near the end of Wednesday’s play, Douglas Luiz is likely to start in the double pivot. He’ll very certainly be paired with Kamara again.
