Aston Villa and Brighton are both looking to end the year with a win that could leave them in the hunt for a top-six finish in the Premier League.
Villa have lost just once in their last 14 games at Villa Park but are without suspended striker Jhon Duran, while Brighton are out of form.
The Seagulls last won in late November and have drawn their last two matches.
Here’s how they line up:
Aston Villa team news
Ollie Watkins returns as expected as Duran begins his ban for sending off at Newcastle. Watkins scored a hat-trick in this match last season as Villa secured a 6-1 victory.
Diego Carlos starts in central defense in an otherwise strong Villa team.
Tonight the starting XI will face Brighton 👊 #AVLBRI pic.twitter.com/afnACzljFZ
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024
Aston Villa: Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins
Brighton team news
Solly March is back on the Brighton bench after returning from more than a year out due to injury on Boxing Day.
Tariq Lamptey comes in at right back as the Seagulls rotate their team.
TEAM NEWS! 🚨Here is our starting XI to face @AVFCOfficiel This evening. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/QL8EfA3HBd
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 30, 2024
Brighton XI: Bart Verbruggen, Igor Julio, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Tariq Lamptey, Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, Brajan Gruda, João Pedro
