Aston Villa – Brighton

Aston Villa head into the clash at Villa Park languishing in 19th place with just one point from four games, having failed to find the net in three of those defeats and managing only a solitary goal while conceding seven. Brighton arrive in the south coast with a markedly better record, perched at 63rd and already on four points after a win and a draw, boasting a tidy 4‑0 goal‑difference and yet to taste defeat. The stark contrast in recent form sets up a classic battle between a side desperate to halt a slide and a team eager to cement its early momentum. If Villa can tighten up at the back and finally break their drought, they could make the encounter far more competitive than the tables suggest. Conversely, Brighton will look to maintain their unbeaten start and add three points to their modest tally.