Brighton vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Brighton have won each of their last three games
• The Seagulls have scored 10 times across those wins
• Aston Villa have lost five of their seven away trips this season
• Over 2.5 goals has landed in Brighton’s last three and Villa’s previous four

Tricky start for Emery

Unai Emery got off to the perfect start as Aston Villa manager with a 3-1 victory over Manchester United but came back down to earth with a bump somewhat as his side were beaten 4-2 by the same opponents in the EFL Cup on Thursday.

Now they face a similarly tough challenge, taking on the in-form Brighton at the Amex. 

De Zerbi finding his feet

The Seagulls have clicked recently under new coach Roberto De Zerbi, winning their last three games in a row and scoring ten goals in the process. Those wins came over Chelsea and Wolves before a 3-1 victory over Arsenal in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

While lacking the star names of some of their rivals, Brighton are up to sixth on the back of being more than the sum of their parts and De Zerbi’s tactics are continuing the good groundwork that was laid under Graham Potter.

Away woes could cost Villa

Those considering backing Aston Villa may also be concerned by their away record this season, they are winless on the road, losing five of their seven matches away from Villa Park.

That includes winnable games against Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Bournemouth. While they all took place under the previous regime, it is concerning that this group of players have been so poor away from home.

Emery will improve this Villa side but that cannot be done overnight and they look set for a season of midtable consolidation while the former Arsenal manager works out how to get the best from his players.

The break for the World Cup will come at a good time for the new boss to shape this side into his mould. However, given their poor away record this season and the flying form of their hosts, it is hard to see anything but a Brighton victory here.

Back goals at the Amex

There have been over 2.5 goals in Aston Villa’s last four and Brighton’s last three Premier League matches and the same is fancied to land in this encounter.

Brighton have lost just one of their last ten home games and correct score punters might want to consider a 2-1 victory for the hosts in what should be a competitive encounter.