After the midweek disappointment in the Carabao Cup, Brighton & Hove Albion return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa.
The Seagulls lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup, with Nicolas Jackson’s second-half strike eliminating Roberto de Zerbi’s side from the competition. De Zerbi and Co have no time to dwell on the defeat to Chelsea and must quickly shift their focus to facing Aston Villa.
The South Coast side have enjoyed a great start to the season and will be aiming to make it four league wins on the bounce at the weekend.
Brighton Team News
Pascal Gross and James Milner missed the Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea with muscle injuries and remain doubtful for the trip to Aston Villa. Evan Ferguson was also absent due to illness but there is hope of him recovering in time to face Villa.
Meanwhile, Carlos Baleba was forced off with a suspected hamstring problem against Chelsea in midweek, thus, making his participation at Villa Park a big doubt.
Predicted Brighton lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
De Zerbi has rotated his goalkeepers Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen so far this season. Verbruggen started in goal against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, so there is a chance of Steele finding himself in the first XI against Unai Emery’s side.
Defence
Ahead of Steele, Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster will be fresh to start in central defence in the Brighton lineup, having enjoyed a much-needed breather in midweek.
Joel Veltman will replace Tariq Lamptey at right-back, while Pervis Estupinan, who led the Seagulls against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, should retain his place at left-back in the Brighton lineup.
Full-backs Veltman and Estupinan will be key in providing width and impetus to Brighton’s attacks against Villa.
Midfield
Billy Gilmour, who was named Man of the Match after the Seagulls’ win over Bournemouth last weekend, is in contention to start after coming off the bench against his former employers on Wednesday.
With Gros injured and Baleba also likely to miss out, Mahmoud Dahoud should form the double pivot with Gilmour in Brighton’s midfield.
Joao Pedro might retain his place in the Brighton attack despite playing the full cup fixture against Chelsea. However, rather than leading the line for De Zerbi’s side, he could drop to the No.10 role in the Aston Villa lineup on Saturday.
Attack
Simon Adingra will be fresh to face Villa having been an unused substitute in midweek. He should start on the left flank in the Aston Villa lineup, whereas Kaoru Mitoma will look to provide pace and creativity from the opposite wing.
There is a chance Evan Ferguson recovers from illness in time to start, but if he doesn’t, De Zerbi should go with Danny Welbeck up top. Welbeck has started the season very well and will look to add to his tally.
