Premier League: Brighton vs. Aston Villa Picks — European Rivals Collide on South Coast (Apr 2)

A fascinating clash with huge European ramifications will be staged at the Amex Stadium on April 2, 2025, as Aston Villa travel to Brighton.

The Seagulls come into this round sitting seventh in the standings after going five without a defeat. A victory on Wednesday could see them end the round in the Champions League spots in the Premier League.

It could be argued that this is a huge fixture for Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side have won just two of their last five matches, leaving them in ninth. The Villa require a win to move ahead of the Seagulls in the standings.

Odds

Seagulls Unbeaten in Two Against Villa

These sides have matched up closely based on recent meetings. However, Villa holds the upper-hand after winning five of the last seven clashes. But, the West Midlands side has failed to win in their last two against the Seagulls.

Brighton were 1-0 winners in this exact fixture last season, while a thrilling 2-2 draw was played out between the sides at Villa Park in December.

Brighton vs. Aston Villa Key Stats

• Brighton boast a fine home record, losing just twice in 14 matches at the Amex Stadium this season.
• Aston Villa ended their long wait for an away win after a European matchday with a 1-0 success against Brentford in their latest EPL match.

Brighton Team News

Brighton have a lengthy injury list to contend with this week. Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, Igor, and Jason Steele are all out. However, Solly March, Joel Veltman, and Lewis Dunk could all return.

Possible Lineup

B. Vebruggen (GK); T. Lamptey, J. van Hecke, A. Webster, P. Estupinan, C. Baleba, D. Gomez, Y. Minteh, G. Rutter, K. Mitoma, J. Pedro

Aston Villa Team News

Ollie Watkins should be fit enough to start for Villa on Wednesday, while Ross Barkley has also recovered from a calf injury to take his place on the bench.

Possible Lineup

E. Martinez (GK); A. Disasi, E. Konsa, T. Mings, L. Digne, J. McGinn, Y. Tielemans, L. Bailey, M. Rogers, J. Ramsey, O. Watkins

Brighton vs. Aston Villa Picks

Little separates these sides based on their performances throughout the campaign. The stakes are huge, as a defeat for either would hinder their chances of a Champions League finish.

Therefore, it could be worth siding with a second straight draw in 2024-25 being played out between the European rivals.