Brighton vs Aston Villa – Match preview and team news

Brighton and Aston Villa are set to face off in the opening Premier League match of the season, twelve months after a high-scoring encounter at the same ground. Brighton, who finished eighth for the second consecutive year, will enter the new campaign with limited rest after their Conference League play-off victory. Aston Villa, Europa League holders and fourth-place finishers last season, have had a challenging pre-season, culminating in a Super Cup defeat to PSG.

The two teams have a strong record in their previous meetings, with Villa winning 14 out of the 22 league encounters. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has never beaten Villa in the Premier League. In the current line-up, Brighton will be without Carlos Baleba, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Stefanos Tzimas, and Evan Ferguson, with Baleba also reportedly close to a £65m move to Manchester United.

New signing Promise David is expected to make his debut, likely as a substitute, while Georginio Rutter will lead the attack. Jack Hinshelwood may return to the number ten role, with Pascal Gross moving deeper in midfield.

Aston Villa will be without Amadou Onana, João Gomes, Brian Madjo, and Leon Bailey, who are all injured, as well as Johan Manzambi, who has yet to play since his own World Cup injury. Tammy Abraham and Alejandro Garnacho are both doubts, leaving Ollie Watkins as the most significant uncertainty. The striker's future is uncertain as Aston Villa interest from Al-Hilal continues, and manager Unai Emery has not guaranteed his retention. Zion Suzuki may make his full debut in goal, with Emiliano Martínez as the backup.