After an impressive international break for many of Villa’s first XI, it’s back to business at Villa Park against Brighton.
After grounding defeats against Leeds (0-3) and Southampton (3-4), Villa bounced back with an emphatic victory over Arsenal (3-0).
Brighton have impressed in only brief spots this term, but in a season of topsy-turvy results, Smith will hopefully remind Villa not to lower their guard.
Be careless, and we’ve seen teams hurt us in a quickfire fashion. Conversely, we’ve witnessed how when Villa are in the mood, we can be utterly ruthless. Liverpool (7-2) can ofcourse attest to that.
A win could propel Villa oce again into the lofty heights of the division, at worst retaining a spot amongst the top 6. 16th placed Brighton, with just a solitary win in eight, looks like an enticing opportunity to kick on.
The only concern for Smith may be that a number of first team regulars have put in some serious minutes across the international break. Grealish, Mings, Luiz (+ travel) and McGinn will be ones to watch in terms of their stamina for sure.
VillaUnderground.com prediction: Villa 1-0 Brighton
TEAM NEWS
Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett.
Luiz, McGinn, Trezeguet, Barkley
Grealish (Captain)
Watkins
On The Bench:
Steer, Elmohamady, Taylor, Nakamba, Hourihane, El Ghazi, Traore.
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