Premier League 2024-2025: Brighton-Aston Villa, the likely lineups
Eliminated from the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest on penalties, Brighton & Hove Albion is seeking its revenge in the league, taking on Aston Villa, which instead made it through the quarterfinals of the domestic cup by thrashing Preston North End 3-0. The two opponents on Wednesday night will play at the Amex Stadium for a chance to chase Europe through the league, with not too remote a chance of getting into the top five.
The list of unavailable players for the hosts is very long: some have been for some time, such as Igor and Ferdi Kadioglu; others, such as Lamptey, March, Rutter and Webster, have been injured more recently. Fabian Hurzeler should still deploy his classic 4-2-3-1, with Joao Pedro the main reference in attack, supported by Minteh, Gruda and Mitoma.
On the other hand, Unai Emery must manage a team still committed to three fronts at the crucial point of the season. Bailey is the’only one really in doubt, otherwise room for the 4-4-1-1 with Asensio behind Rashford in attack. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United man is having an’excellent season under the Basque coach’s orders.
Probable lineups
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñan; Diego Gomez, Baleba; Minteh, Gruda, Mitoma; Joao Pedro. All. Hurzeler.
ASTON VILLA (4-4-1-1): Martinez; Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Rogers, McGinn, Tielemans, Ramsey; Asensio, Rashford. All. Emery.
