Brighton welcome Aston Villa to the American Express Stadium on Wednesday, December 3 (7:30 PM GMT / 2:30 PM EST) in a Premier League clash that could reshape the Champions League race. Villa sit fourth on 24 points, with Brighton fifth on 22. A home win flips the positions. The stakes are clear.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video (UK), Peacock (USA)
Two Points Separate European Dreams
This is a straight shootout for fourth place. Aston Villa currently occupy the final Champions League spot, but their cushion is paper thin. Brighton can leapfrog them with three points and take control of their European destiny heading into the festive schedule.
Villa arrive in form. Five consecutive wins across all competitions, including a 1-0 victory over Wolves at the weekend, have steadied Unai Emery’s side after a shaky October. But away from Villa Park, the numbers tell a different story. Villa average just 1.3 goals and 2.7 shots on target per game on the road. They have kept zero clean sheets in their last three away fixtures.
Brighton, meanwhile, have turned the Amex into a fortress. Fabian Hurzeler’s side are unbeaten at home this season (4W-2D) and have won their last three on this ground, scoring seven and conceding just two. Their home averages are strong: 2.3 goals scored, 0.67 conceded, 5.7 shots on target per game.
History Favors Villa
Here is the twist. Aston Villa have been a bogey team for Brighton at the Amex, winning three of the last four away league meetings at this stadium. The Seagulls managed just one goal in those four fixtures combined before finally breaking through with a 1-0 win last May.
Villa’s aerial threat could prove decisive. They win 11.4 aerial duels per game on average, and Brighton’s set-piece defence has been tested this season. With Lewis Dunk marshalling the backline, the hosts will need to stay disciplined on corners and free kicks.
Team News
Brighton are without Adam Webster (hamstring) and Solly March (knee). Kaoru Mitoma is a major doubt with an ankle issue and may only make the bench if passed fit.
Villa miss Ross Barkley (knee, out two months) and Tyrone Mings (hamstring). Amadou Onana is expected to start in central midfield alongside Youri Tielemans.
Numbers to Watch
- 22 vs 24: The points separating fifth and fourth. Winner takes the advantage.
- 10: Brighton’s unbeaten home league run.
- 3 of 4: Villa’s away wins at the Amex in recent seasons.
- 2.3: Brighton’s goals per game at home in their last three.
- 0: Villa clean sheets in their last three away matches.
