Aston Villa vs Brighton predictions for Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Villa Park. New Villa manager Steven Gerrard looks to get off to a flyer against high-flying Brighton. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
The Premier League returns ?. ? pic.twitter.com/2u9xGOl4xF
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial)
Can Gerrard lead Villa to victory in Premier League managerial debut?
While Villa were known for being defensively astute last season this has not been the case so far this term. Gerrard has left a Rangers side four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership for a Villa side hovering dangerously above the drop zone.
The loss of Jack Grealish to Manchester City has translated to a lack of creativity and also without Grealish dictating the pace of play – at times single handedly – this may have also contributed to Villa conceding almost two goals per game so far.
Danny Ings has been missing for the last two matches due to a hamstring injury but could return for this one. He has got off to a patchy start so far, but hopes are high for the Villains that Ings being reunited with former team-mate Gerrard could kick start his season.
Happy birthday, Rob Sanchez! ?? pic.twitter.com/cKZOldTLQy
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC)
Steady steady Brighton
Brighton is currently in the lofty heights of the European places ahead of the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City without really scoring too many goals (12 so far), to be fair to them they’ve also been steady defensively, also conceding 12 so far.
The fact they are in seventh despite no wins in their last six matches – five draws during that span – is a testament to how tight the Premier League table is this year.
If pressed to find a player who has stood out for Brighton so far, Belgian, Leandro Trossard would be that man, scoring against Newcastle and Liverpool in his last two Premier League matches.
Aston Villa vs Brighton predictions
The usual hope of the new manager bounce will be rife in the Claret and Blue side of Birmingham on Saturday, but it may end in disappointment shortly after 4:45pm. Aston Villa currently lack creativity and Brighton may prove too hard to break down.
Both teams have struggled to score goals of late and if you can’t score goals then you can’t win the match. With this in mind, Brighton’s knack for drawing matches and Brighton currently being unbeaten away from home, we recommend backing the draw.
With Villa and Brighton both lacking goals and Brighton matches coming in at under 2.5 goals 64% of the time we also recommend backing under 2.5 goals in the match.
Aston Villa vs Brighton team news
Aston Villa team news
Ezri Konsa is back from suspension and could feature in Gerrard’s first starting line-up. However, Danny Ings, Douglas Luiz, Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba are still doubtful.
Brighton team news
Goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, misses out due to suspension after his sending off against Newcastle. The goalkeeping spot will be taken by either Jason Steele or Kjell Scherpen.
Danny Welbeck and Enock Mwepu are also set to miss out due to injury.
Single: LostEnglish Premier League15:00/20 novAston Villa vs BrightonBet: Aston Villa and Brighton to drawto:50% players believe that this bet will win!Single: WonEnglish Premier League15:00/20 novAston Villa vs BrightonBet: Under 2.5 goals in the matchto:50% players believe that this bet will win!