Chris Sutton has issued his prediction on the result of Aston Villa against Brighton & Hove Albion. They meet at Villa Park on the final day of the Premier League season.
Aston Villa go into the clash knowing that a win will book their return to Europe for the first time since 2010/11. Unai Emery’s Birmingham outfit will secure a seventh-place finish with three points on Sunday. And with it, they take the Europa Conference League play-off spot.
But the Villans face a tough test with Brighton also riding high having secured their place in Europe. The Seagulls have qualified for a continental competition for the first time in their history. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are certain to finish in sixth and take on the Europa League.
How can Aston Villa still qualify for Europe this season?
In theory, a defeat may not scupper Aston Villa’s hopes of qualifying for Europe as they will start the day in seventh. But Tottenham Hotspur travel to Leeds United and Brentford host Manchester City with all to play for. Both teams can still surpass Emery’s squad for seventh.
Just one point separates Aston Villa and Tottenham for the Europa Conference League play-off spot, as well. While Brentford have the advantage over the Villans should their tussle go down to goal difference. It would take a draw for the Villa Park club and a win for the Bees.
But any win for Aston Villa over Brighton – who they beat 2-1 in November – would ensure that Emery’s side qualify for Europe. The Villans left the Amex Stadium with all three points before the World Cup after Danny Ings’ double overturned Alexis Mac Allister’s early strike.
What has Chris Sutton predicted for Aston Villa vs Brighton?
Mac Allister has played an instrumental role in Brighton qualifying for Europe this season. His strike inside the first minute at home to Aston Villa was his fifth of 10 so far. The 2022 World Cup-winning 24-year-old has also laid on two assists during his 34 Premier League games.
De Zerbi has limited his presence in more recent weeks after booking the Seagulls’ spot in the Europa League, though. Sutton has also now suggested that Brighton may make some changes in his prediction that Aston Villa will have to settle for a 1-1 draw come Sunday.
“Villa beat Brighton earlier this season but I’m not sure they will do the same tomorrow,” Sutton said in a column for the Daily Mail. “The Seagulls may field a rotated side yet they are still soaring after securing their golden ticket to Europe.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
