The Championship’s weekend action begins on the south coast on Friday evening.
In-form Brighton welcome an improving Aston Villa side to the Amex Stadium on Friday with both looking to extend impressive unbeaten runs.
Chris Hughton’s hosts have won their last four league games, a run which has taken them into the second automatic promotion spot behind Newcastle. All four of these wins have included clean sheets, with no Championship team having conceded fewer than Brighton’s nine goals this season.
A few weeks ago Villa would have been dreading this trip, but they have picked up under Steve Bruce. The experienced boss is yet to taste defeat in his five games in charge, the most recent of which was the 2-1 win over Blackburn last time out.
Brighton’s Steve Sidwell in action with Sheffield Wednesday’s Kieran Lee
The Key Battle – Steve Sidwell vs Mile Jedinak
Sidwell made 64 appearances in three seasons at Villa Park and faces his former club full of confidence after a stunning goal from the halfway line in Brighton’s win at Bristol City a fortnight ago.
Jedinak has been finding the net as well, scoring twice for Australia in their draw with Thailand over the international break. The former Palace man has improved along with his side and will relish this midfield battle.
Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak
Last Meeting:
Villa came out on top last time these two teams met, with Fabian Delph’s winner securing a 3-2 FA Cup win in January 2010.
The last league clash was a goalless draw back in 1983, while overall Villa have 11 wins in this fixture to Brighton’s four.
Brighton’s Glenn Murray celebrates
Recent league form – most recent last:
Brighton – WDWWWW
Aston Villa – LDWWDW
Who’s the ref?
Championship regular Stephen Martin takes the whistle for this one.
Martin has overseen 14 Football League games so far this season and is yet to show a red card.
What time is kick off?
The action begins at 7.45pm.
General view of The Amex Community Stadium
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 are showing the match, with build-up getting underway at 7pm.
Odds
Brighton – 5/6
Draw – 12/5
Aston Villa – 18/5
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