Line-ups confirmed as both sides expect a big win

Both Aston Villa and Brighton are looking to end the year with a win that could leave them in the hunt for a top-six spot 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 last time the Seagulls won was at the end of November, and they drew the last two games.

Here’s how they stack up:

Aston Villa team news

Ollie Watkins returns up front as expected as Duran begins his ban following his Newcastle sending-off. Watkins scored a hat-trick in this game last season as Villa cruised to a 6-1 victory.

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

Tonight is the starting 11 against 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 back on the Brighton bench after returning from more than a year out with injury on Boxing Day.

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

THE NEWS TEAM! 🚨 Here are our starting 11 @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