Aston Villa are third, but have failed to win their last two games
Brighton are 14th with no wins in their last four
Recommended bet: Aston Villa to win
Aston Villa's title hopes have faded in recent weeks but they can get a much-needed victory when they host Brighton on Wednesday.
Villa have slipped nine points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League after a home defeat to Brentford and draw at Bournemouth in their last two games.
Brighton, meanwhile, are having a tough time with Sunday's home loss to rivals Crystal Palace extending their winless run to four games.
Team news
Aston Villa are still without injured players Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Andres Garcia.
January signing Tammy Abraham is pushing for a start, while Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres are also hoping for recalls.
Brighton have several players ruled out through injury with Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solly March, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer and Yasin Ayari all absent.
Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Reilly are among those who could come into the starting line-up if boss Fabian Hurzeler opts for changes.
The stats
Brighton have failed to win any of their last five away games in the league.
Villa won 4-3 in a thriller at the Amex in the reverse fixture in December.
Villa have won eight of their 12 home matches in the top flight this season.
Brighton have won only two of the last 13 league meetings between the sides, Villa have recorded eight wins and there have been three draws.
If James Milner features for Brighton against one of his former clubs, the 40-year-old will equal Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record of 653 games.
The latest Aston Villa vs Brighton odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Aston Villa were beginning to convince many that they were seriously in the Premier League title race at the end of 2025 but damaging home defeats to Everton and Brentford in the past month have derailed their hopes.
Unai Emery's side are still third, three points behind Manchester City in second and three ahead of Manchester United beneath them, going into this midweek round of fixtures in the top flight.
Their previously impressive home form has deserted them at the wrong time, though, with successive league defeats at Villa Park to the Toffees and the Bees meaning they are now realistically in a top-four fight rather than scrapping for the main prize.
Brighton have also struggled of late with draws against Everton and Bournemouth and losses to Fulham and Palace leaving them down in a disappointing 14th place in the table.
The Seagulls' away form has been a cause for concern all season with just two wins on the road so far and they have failed to win any of their last five away in the league.
Villa need to rediscover the winning feeling at home and this looks like being the perfect opportunity.
Back Aston Villa to win at 4/5 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Aston Villa vs Brighton odds are available on LiveScore Bet
