Line-ups confirmed as both sides look for big win

Aston Villa and Brighton are both looking to end the year with a victory that could leave them in the hunt for a top-six place 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 at the end of November and have drawn their last two games.

Here’s how they line up:

Aston Villa team news

Ollie Watkins returns up front as expected as Duran starts his ban for a sending-off at Newcastle. Watkins scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season as Villa romped to a 6-1 win.

Diego Carlos starts at centre-back in an otherwise strong-looking Villa side.

Tonight’s starting XI to face Brighton 👊 #AVLBRI pic.twitter.com/afnACzljFZ

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024

Aston Villa XI: 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 on the Brighton bench again after he returned from over a year out with injury on Boxing Day.

Tariq Lamptey comes in at right-back as the Seagulls rotate their squad.

TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Here’s our starting XI to face @AVFCOfficial tonight. 👀📝 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