Aston Villa and Brighton are both aiming to finish the year with a win that could keep them in contention for a top-six spot in the Premier League.
Villa has only suffered one loss in their last 14 games at Villa Park but will be missing suspended striker Jhon Duran, while Brighton is currently out of form.
The Seagulls’ last victory was at the end of November, and they have drawn their last two matches.
Here’s how the teams will line up:
Aston Villa team news
Ollie Watkins returns to the frontline as anticipated, with Duran serving his suspension for a red card in the Newcastle match. Watkins scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season when Villa secured a 6-1 victory.
Diego Carlos starts in central defense in what looks to be a strong Villa lineup.
Tonight’s starting XI to face Brighton 👊 #AVLBRI pic.twitter.com/afnACzljFZ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024
Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins
Brighton team news
Solly March is once again on the Brighton bench following his return from a year-long injury absence on Boxing Day.
Tariq Lamptey starts at right-back as Brighton make changes to their squad.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here’s our starting XI to face @AVFCOfficial tonight. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/QL8EfA3HBd
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 30, 2024
Brighton XI: Bart Verbruggen, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Tariq Lamptey, Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, Brajan Gruda, João Pedro
