'Job done' - BBC expert makes bold Brighton vs Aston Villa prediction and gives Fabian Hurzeler verdict
Brighton and Hove Albion from the Amex Stadium in the Premier League - Wednesday, 7.30pm
It’s fourth vs fifth in the Premier League tonight as Brighton welcome Aston Villa to the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls are one place behind Unai Emery’s resurgent Villa after Brighton enjoyed an impressive 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest last Sunday.
Villa will though arrive full of confidence as they despatched Wolves last time out to make it five consecutive wins in all competitions.
Both teams have had patchy moments this term but their recent form suggests a very close match at the Amex Stadium as they push for European football next term.
Chris Sutton: This is a tough trip for Aston Villa
Here’s how BBC pundit Chris Sutton sees it: “Villa are playing well right now but this is a tough trip for them and with their heavy schedule it might be a game too far.”
Sutton, not known to give praise easily, also had some kind words for Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler.
“Brighton are in great form too, especially at home.,” added Sutton. “Their boss Fabian Hurzeler has done a great job there.
“The Seagulls have got plenty of firepower and a strong squad so, on that basis, I am going to back them.” Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Brighton and Aston Villa will have similar goals come the end of the season and Hurzeler is expecting a tough test. Villa were the last club to win at the Amex – that was 11 home games ago.
“It's a new situation,” said Hurzeler. “They still have good players, they still have a really good coach.
“That's still a big challenge, but as I said before Nottingham Forest we have to clean up the air. That's the case as well for Aston Villa.
“It was a bad defeat. We had to suffer in our home game against them. We have to do it better than last time.
“We have to play with more intensity, with more energy. We have to play more maturely and that's our job tomorrow, to give our home fans the thing they deserve. “
Your next Albion read: Glenn Murray thinks Brighton have a problem and Fabian Hurzeler will not be happy