A tantalising top-five clash awaits at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night as Brighton & Hove Albion host Aston Villa.
Both sides enter the contest in winning form and are separated by just two points in the table. Consequently, this encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in the battle for European spots. Unai Emery’s Villa sit fourth, while Brighton are hot on their heels in fifth place.
Brighton vs Aston Villa – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2025
- Kick-off: 7:30 pm GMT
- Venue: American Express Stadium, Brighton
- Referee: Andy Madley
- VAR: John Brooks
- Last Meeting: Brighton 0-3 Aston Villa, 2 April 2025, Premier League
Team News
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler is likely to be without Kaoru Mitoma and James Milner, as this fixture may come too soon for their return. Furthermore, long-term absentees Solly March and Adam Webster remain sidelined. Young striker Stefanos Tzimas is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench against Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Maxim De Cuyper is expected to feature at left-back following his goal in the same match.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery has a relatively short injury list, with Tyrone Mings the only confirmed long-term absentee. However, Ross Barkley is a major doubt after suffering an injury shortly after coming on against Wolves. Amadou Onana is also a doubt with a muscle issue, though he has been included in the predicted lineup. Fortunately, goalkeeper Emi Martínez is expected to start despite carrying a knock.
Form
Brighton
The Seagulls are in fine fettle, having won three of their last five Premier League matches. Their 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest last weekend was a statement result. In addition, they have been formidable at home, winning four of their last five games at the Amex. Currently, they are on an unbeaten run of 10 home league matches.
Aston Villa
Villa have recovered from a wobble to win their last five games in all competitions. This run includes a hard-fought 1-0 derby victory over Wolves on Sunday. Defensively, they have been solid, conceding just 0.85 goals per game this season. However, they have a poor record in December away games, having lost their last four in the month.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton predicted XI: Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Hinshelwood, Gomez; Tzimas
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
How to watch Brighton vs Aston Villa?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm GMT.
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