Written by Samuel Brady
Sub-edited by Sonny Turner
Graham Potter will hope to pick up a much needed second win of the season as his Brighton side travel to early season highflyers Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Brighton make the trip to Villa Park boosted by the return of captain Lewis Dunk, who has completed his three-match suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace. Brighton will hope his much-missed leadership can guide them to their first league win since the 3-0 victory against Newcastle earlier on this season.
Potter provided updates on the squad with seven first team players doubtful for the clash including regulars Aaron Connolly (Hamstring), Leandro Trossard (Adductor) and Davy Propper (Achilles). Alexis MacAllister will not be available, having reportedly been tested positive for COVID-19 whilst on international duty with Argentina although no official statement has been made by the club regarding the issue.
As for Villa, Dean Smith revealed striker Wesley (knee) is close to a return but will miss out as well as Bjorn Engels (thigh), Tom Heaton (knee) and Kortney Hause (groin). The Villains may see Bertrand Traore return having missed Villa’s 3-0 win over Arsenal before the international break.
Last season’s meetings between the two sides ended with a 2-1 win for Villa followed by a 1-1 stalemate at the AMEX.
Albion and Villa have faced off 25 times in total since 1910, with Brighton winning four, Villa 13 and eight draws. The Seagull’s have failed to beat Villa since a 1-0 victory in December 1980.
Score prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton
