Thank heavens the narrative can shift from Steven Gerrard’s career after Aston Villa to his performances actually managing his new side. Although that might not last long if Villa hammer Brighton but that is rather unlikely considering Villa’s miserable losing run of five and Graham Potter’s side losing only to Manchester City in their last eight matches. Potter’s problem is his winning start stalling. Brighton’s away form is good, though, and the 2-2 draw from two down at Anfield should be more than enough inspiration for the coach to get back on track with a win that shows he is still the brightest English footballing mind in the top flight at present. Graham Searles
Saturday 3pm
Venue Villa Park
Last season Aston Villa 1 Brighton 2
Referee Anthony Taylor
This season G9 Y31 R2 3.66 cards/game
Odds H 17-11 A 2-1 D 12-5
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Steer, Archer, El Ghazi, Traoré, Young, Nakamba, Hause, Bogarde, Douglas Luiz, Tuanzebe
Doubtful Douglas Luiz (hamstring), Nakamba (groin), Traoré (hamstring)
Injured Trezeguet (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y25 R1
Form WLLLLL
Leading scorer Ings 3
BRIGHTON
Subs from Scherpen, Connolly, Sarmiento, Lamptey, Mac Allister, Richards, Webster, Burn, Moder
Doubtful Burn (knee), Connolly (heel)
Injured Mwepu (knock, 27 Nov), Alzate (ankle, Jan), Welbeck (hamstring, unknown)
Suspended Sánchez (one match)
Discipline Y29 R1
Form DDDLDD
Leading scorer Maupay 4
