Brighton v Aston Villa: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Aston Villa will be hoping to take another step to securing Champions League football for next season when they make the trip to the Amex Stadium to take on a struggling Brighton side.

The fourth-placed Villans have built a seven-point lead over Tottenham in fifth and victory on the south coast this Sunday could see Unai Emery's side secure a top-four finish, if Spurs fall to defeat at Liverpool.

Brighton v Aston Villa betting tips and predictions

Aston Villa to win - 29/20

While Villa face an uphill task to reach the Europa Conference League final after losing 4-2 in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday, Emery has always stressed that clinching a Champions League spot is the club's main priority this season.

Given the focus on a top-four finish, an improved performance from the Villans is expected and they have shown solid form on the road, losing just one of their last 11 away assignments in all competitions.

Villa now head to the Amex to face a Brighton side who are without a win in their last six attempts, losing four times and drawing twice, and they have slipped to 12th in the standings.

The Seagulls have been comprehensively beaten in their last two home matches, losing 3-0 and 4-0 to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively, while they were defeated 3-0 at Bournemouth last time out.

Uncertainty over manager Roberto De Zerbi's future could be having an impact on the squad, as he continues to be linked with a move away this summer. and there is a feeling the players just want this season to be over.

With the potential to guarantee a top-four finish this weekend, Villa can head back to the West Midlands with all three points.

Morgan Rogers anytime goalscorer - 5/2

England forward Ollie Watkins has, rightfully, been receiving huge plaudits for his performances this season and he netted in the European defeat on Thursday, taking his tally in all competitions to 27 goals.

However, Morgan Rogers has been in inspired form for the Villans over the last couple of months and he has found the back of the net in each of his last two league outings, against Bournemouth and Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has proven to be an astute January signing, having joined from Middlesbrough, and he can continue on his upward trajectory by scoring at the Amex.

Joel Veltman to be booked - 11/4

Brighton have picked up 82 yellow cards in the league, the joint-fifth highest, and there looks to be a high chance that tally will be added to on Sunday.

The Seagulls are short at the back due to injuries and De Zerbi could decide to bring Joel Veltman into the starting XI, a player that has been no stranger to the referee.

Dutch defender Veltman has been cautioned in two of his last three appearances and he may struggle to cope with the pace that Villa have in the shapes of Rogers, Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.

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Brighton v Aston Villa odds

Brighton - 17/10
Draw - 13/5
Aston Villa - 29/20

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.