Aston Villa will clash heads with Brighton and Hove Albion at the American Express Community Stadium on Saturday night looking to pick up all three points on the road. The Villans managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal last weekend, which will keep them in high spirits going into this game versus Graham Potter’s men.
Dean Smith will probably opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to keep changes to a minimum for this Premier League clash. Ollie Watkins will once again spearhead the West Midlands side’s attack down the middle while Anwar El Ghazi settles for a spot on the bench.
4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Brighton
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will resume his duties in between the sticks for the away team after earning a clean sheet versus the Gunners in his last league appearance. Ezri Konsa will function alongside Tyrone Mings at the centre of the Aston Villa backline as they hope to keep the Seagulls attackers frustrated during the 90 minutes.
Matty Cash is expected to operate at right-back while Matt Targett focusses on producing another industrious display on the other side as the left-back. Smith will give both of them the freedom to express themselves in the Brighton half and create some meaningful openings for their teammates up top.
Bjorn Engels and Neil Taylor will have to be content with a place on the bench as they offer cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will play in the holding midfield positions as they try to gain some control over the Seagulls at the centre of the park. Jack Grealish will lead the Villans from the left flank and will probably carry most of the creative burden for his team in the attacking third. Ross Barkley could get another chance to impress as a free-flowing attacking midfielder while Bertrand Traore looks to put his pace to good use on the right-wing.
Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Morgan Sanson will make up the numbers on the bench but could come on to make an impact in the latter stages if required.
Attack
Ollie Watkins will lead the line for the Midlands giants up top. He scored the only goal of the game versus the Gunners, so he will be keen on keeping his good form going in the Premier League this weekend.
