Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion Lineups, Prediction, Team News, Injury And Preview

Match Overview

Detail	Information
Competition	Premier League 2025/2026
Matchweek	26
Date	Thursday, 12 February 2026
Kick-off Time	1:00 AM (Local Time)
Venue	Villa Park, Birmingham
Referee	TBA
Current Form (Last 5)	Villa: D-L-W-L-D / Brighton: L-D-L-D-L

Key Facts

• Aston Villa currently sit third in the Premier League table with 47 points from 25 matches.
• Brighton occupy 14th position with 31 points from 25 matches.
• Villa have won seven of their last nine Premier League encounters against Brighton.
• The reverse fixture in December 2025 saw Villa win 4-3 at the Amex Stadium.
• Brighton have failed to win any of their last five Premier League away games.
• Villa have lost their last two home matches in the league.
• Brighton have won just one of their last 12 Premier League matches.
• James Milner could equal Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record of 653 games.
• Ollie Watkins has scored nine goals against Brighton, more than against any other opponent.
• Both teams need victories to improve their recent form.

Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion Preview and Prediction

Aston Villa enter this fixture seeking to halt a concerning run of form at Villa Park.

Unai Emery’s side have experienced a significant dip after their impressive eight-game winning streak ended.

The Midlands club have collected just two victories from their last seven Premier League matches, including disappointing results against Brentford and Bournemouth in February.

The 1-0 home defeat to Brentford followed by a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth has effectively ended Villa’s slim title hopes.

The focus now shifts to securing a top-five finish and maintaining their Champions League qualification position.

However, Villa face a challenging run-in with fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea still to come.

Brighton arrive at Villa Park in even worse form. Fabian Hurzeler’s team have struggled significantly since early December, winning just once in their last 12 Premier League matches.

The 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend prompted frustrated supporters to chant “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the German coach.

Hurzeler acknowledged his team “have problems” and finding solutions remains his priority.

The Seagulls have plummeted from fifth position to 14th in just two months.

Their away form presents particular concern, with no victories in their last five road trips. Brighton rank 18th in the Premier League form table since early December with just nine points collected.

Team News and Injuries

Aston Villa Injuries

Villa face several significant absences. Youri Tielemans remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara both continue their recovery from knee problems.

Andres Garcia cannot feature due to a thigh injury. New signing Alysson has returned to training but remains unavailable due to his knee issue.

Brighton Injuries

Brighton’s injury list proves equally challenging. Jan Paul van Hecke, who scored twice in the reverse fixture, misses out with a thigh injury.

Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, and Solly March all remain absent with knee injuries.

Mats Wieffer cannot play due to an ankle/foot problem, while Yasin Ayari continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.

Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game

Van Hecke’s absence significantly weakens Brighton’s defensive structure. The Dutch defender scored twice against Villa in December and provides crucial aerial presence.

For Villa, McGinn’s continued absence removes their captain’s leadership and energy from midfield. Kamara’s unavailability limits Emery’s defensive midfield options, potentially exposing Villa’s backline against Brighton’s quick attackers.

Predicted Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion Lineups and Formations

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

Emery may make tactical adjustments after recent disappointments.

Ian Maatsen could replace Lucas Digne at left-back following the Frenchman’s poor performance against Bournemouth.

Pau Torres might return alongside Ezri Konsa in central defense, with Tyrone Mings dropping to the bench.

Morgan Rogers continues in his advanced central role, where he has contributed four goals in his last five home matches.

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Gomez, Baleba; Minteh, Gross, Mitoma; Welbeck

Hurzeler faces selection dilemmas in midfield.

The coach must decide whether to persist with 17-year-old Harry Howell, who made his full Premier League debut against Palace, or recall experienced options like Jack Hinshelwood, Diego Gomez, or Matt O’Reilly.

Olivier Boscagli partners Lewis Dunk in central defense due to Van Hecke’s absence.

Tactical Analysis

Villa typically deploy a possession-based approach under Emery, building attacks through their full-backs and utilizing Rogers’ creativity in central areas.

The Spanish coach emphasizes defensive solidity while encouraging quick transitions. However, recent home performances suggest vulnerability to organized defensive blocks.

Read Manchester City vs Fulham.

Brighton favor a high-pressing system under Hurzeler, attempting to win possession in advanced areas.

The Seagulls utilize width through their wingers Mitoma and Minteh, while Danny Welbeck provides experienced movement up front.

Their recent struggles stem from defensive fragility and inability to convert possession into clear chances.

Key Players to Watch

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

The England striker has exceptional record against Brighton with nine goals and 11 total goal involvements.

Watkins’ movement and finishing ability make him Villa’s primary attacking threat. His partnership with Rogers has developed significantly this season.

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

The young midfielder has emerged as Villa’s creative hub. Rogers’ ability to operate between lines causes defensive problems.

His recent home form shows three goals and one assist in five matches across all competitions.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)

The Japanese winger provides Brighton’s main creative outlet. Mitoma’s dribbling ability and pace stretch defenses.

His performance could determine whether Brighton create sufficient chances.

Danny Welbeck (Brighton)

The veteran striker brings experience and intelligent movement. Welbeck’s hold-up play allows Brighton’s wingers to advance. His finishing remains crucial for the Seagulls’ attacking output.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Villa dominate recent meetings with seven victories in their last nine Premier League encounters against Brighton.

The Midlands club have completed doubles over the Seagulls in 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Six of the last seven meetings produced three or more goals, with both teams scoring in five fixtures.

Brighton’s only away victory at Villa Park in six Premier League visits came in May 2024 with a 1-0 success. The Seagulls have conceded at least twice in each of their five unsuccessful trips to Villa Park.

Current Standings

Premier League Table (Top 14)

Villa sit in third place with 47 points, trailing Arsenal (56 points) and Manchester City (50 points).

They hold a comfortable eight-point cushion over sixth-placed Liverpool. Brighton find themselves in 14th position with 31 points, eight points behind seventh-placed Brentford and 12 points away from the European qualification spots.

Where to Watch Live?

The match broadcasts live on JioHotstar in India. International viewers can access the game through various official broadcasters including TNT Sports (UK), DAZN (multiple territories), and beIN Sports (Middle East and North Africa).

Kick-off occurs at 1:00 AM local time on Thursday, 12 February 2026.

Aston Villa vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction

Villa should secure victory despite recent home struggles. Brighton’s poor away record and defensive issues suggest they will struggle at Villa Park.

The Seagulls have conceded regularly on their travels and face a Villa attack featuring Watkins in excellent form against them.

However, both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities indicate goals at both ends. Villa’s recent home defeats show they can be breached, while Brighton possess attacking quality through Mitoma and Welbeck.

Predicted Score: Aston Villa 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Villa’s superior quality and home advantage should prove decisive. Watkins will likely add to his impressive goal tally against Brighton, while Rogers provides creative support.

Brighton may score through quick transitions, but their defensive frailties will cost them points. Emery’s side need this victory to stabilize their top-five position and restore confidence before facing tougher opponents.

FAQs