Aston Villa went into the international break with a resounding 5-1 win against Norwich City at Carrow Road and will hope for a repeat of that performance when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. That win against Norwich helped the Villans move out of the relegation zone up to 15th in the table.
A win for Villa on Saturday at Villa Park could see them go above their opponents on Saturday, in the Premier League table. The home team could go close to the top 10 if they win and results go in their favour.
Possible Aston Villa lineup that manager Dean Smith may put out against Brighton
4-1-4-1
Goalkeeper
Aston Villa’s No. 1 choice keeper Tom Heaton pulled out of the England squad ahead of their matches against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. But the experienced keeper should be fit to play in Villa’s game on Saturday after the manager named Jota as the only injury concern.
Defence
Bjorn Engels was brought off in Villa’s win over Norwich City last time around due to an injury, but the decision was a precautionary measure. He should be fit to play, and start alongside Tyrone Mings, who received his first England cap in the game against Bulgaria.
Frédéric Guilbert should continue at right-back, while Matt Targett will retain his place in the team over at left-back in the Aston Villa lineup.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz scored a fantastic goal when he was brought on last time around against Norwich City, but that may not be enough for Smith to change his midfield trio.
Marvelous Nakamba has had a decent start to his Aston Villa career, and he will make his fifth league start of the season against Brighton. Conor Hourihane has pushed his way back into the reckoning and he too will retain his place after scoring last time around.
John McGinn, who has been in superb form this season, scored a hat-trick for Scotland against San Marino; he will hope to continue his goalscoring form on Saturday.
Attack
Summer signing Wesley scored a brace last time around and he will retain his place, while captain Jack Grealish will start from the left, with Anwar El Ghazi on the right in the Aston Villa lineup.
