England Premier League
Sunday 5th May 2024
Kick off at 2pm BST
Venue: Amex Stadium
Match Preview:
Even before we reach the end of the season there has been talk of Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi’s future with the club and it would be no surprise if he was to leave this summer. Brighton’s form has fallen away in the second half of the season and they come into this weekend with 44 points and have slipped to 12th place. Perhaps one could argue that this feels stable for the club who have had a history of struggles but they have certainly taken backwards steps in the last 18 months. Form has been worrying also with just 2 points won from their last 15 and the Seagulls have also lost their last two games in a row with defeats against Manchester City and Bournemouth. In those games the club scored zero goals but shipped seven. Home form has seen 7 victories but they have lost their last two games here although it should be noted they have come against both Manchester City and Arsenal.
Aston Villa look good for 4th place with their rival Tottenham having lost their last 3 games in a row. Villa are seven points clear but Tottenham has a game in hand although you’d have to think that Villa will get fourth place and of course the games are now running out. The club come into this game unbeaten in their last four which has included draws against Brentford and Chelsea and wins over Arsenal and Bournemouth. The team have been seriously impressive at times but the draw against Chelsea would have felt like a loss given that they were cruising at 2-0 up and there looked like being only one winner, but Chelsea were able to dominate the second half and this was at Villa Park. Whilst Villa have been one of the most impressive teams in the league this season they have a shadow over this game given how their European fixture went in midweek. In their semi-final 1st leg match they were beaten 4-2 at home to Olympiakos and now must travel to Greece and get a good result, it looks bleak for Unai Emery’s side and surely thoughts of that game will be lingering over this match.
Team News:
Brighton: There are no new injury concerns for the club but there is an ever growing list of long term injuries which include the following players; James Milner, Kaoru Mitoma, Tariq Lamptey, Soloman March, Jack Hinshelwood, Pervis Estupinan and Evan Ferguson.
Aston Villa: Emiliano Martinez will be assessed for a hamstring injury, Youri Tielemans is only 50/50 to make this game due to a groin injury. Alex Moreno remains a doubt to be back for this one due to his calf injury. Boubacar Kamara, Jacob Ramsey and Tyrone Mings are all out long term.
Brighton vs Aston Villa Head to Head:
Last season Aston Villa won this fixture 2-1.
Aston Villa have won the last 5 meetings in a row.
Brighton have not beaten Aston Villa at home since 1980.
Brighton vs Aston Villa Prediction:
As we know Brighton have struggled recently and the stories about if their manager will leave or not can’t be any good for the players. Poor form has also coincided with having to face some of the best teams in the league, especially their last couple of home games. We know Brighton are still a quality side and on their day can give any club problems. However Aston Villa has a fantastic record over Brighton and that could be important in this game so we are going to back the away side. We understand this is a risk with their 2nd leg European semi-final on their minds but sealing a top 4 finish is also a priority.
Brighton vs Aston Villa Betting Tips:
Draw no bet (Aston Villa) at 1.73
Anytime goalscorer: Ollie Watkins at 2.35
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