Brighton don't have much to play for between now and the end of the season but on Sunday they face an Aston Villa side who are still fighting for glory on multiple fronts.
Unai Emery's men are still involved in the Europa Conference League, with their semi-final second leg against Olympiacos coming up this midweek, while Champions League qualification is still in their hands, too.
Current Form
Brighton's current form
Brighton's recent form has been wretched as they are without a win in their last six games and have lost four of those versus Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City and Bournemouth.
They were particularly poor last time out against the Cherries as they were humbled 3-0 away from home.
Finding the back of the net has become a major, major problem as they have scored just one goal in five games.
Aston Villa current form
Villa are coming off a surprise 4-2 loss against Olympiacos in the Europa Conference so they have plenty of work to do if they are to progress to the final.
Domestically, they have been good, losing just one game out of their last seven in the Premier League, and that came against Man City.
Last time out, they drew 2-2 against Chelsea and were arguably fortunate not to lose that one.
Brighton vs Aston Villa Team News
Solly March, Evan Ferguson, Pervis Estupinan, Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner and Jan Paul van Hecke won't feature against Villa due to injury.
However, there are hopes that Tariq Lamptey and Solly March will soon become available again so they could feature, though likely on the bench.
Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings won't play again for Villa this season.
Emi Martinez and Youri Tielemans didn't feature in the Europa Conference but Emery is hopeful that one or both might be available for the Brighton game.
Key player - Brighton
Joao Pedro has often been relied upon in the final third due to the continued absence of Evan Ferguson due to injury.
Key player - Aston Villa
Not only has Ollie Watkins scored 19 goals this season, but he has also contributed 12 assists.
Scoreline Prediction
Villa will be tired from Thursday and will have their eye on next Thursday, but they should have enough to beat a misfiring Brighton.
Brighton 0-1 Aston Villa
FAQs
What was the score the last time Brighton played Aston Villa? In September, Aston Villa demolished Brighton 6-1 at Villa Park.
What is Brighton's next match? After Aston Villa, Brighton face Newcastle.
What is Aston Villa's next match? After Brighton, Aston Villa face Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League.
Who is Brighton's top scorer? Joao Pedro has scored eight Premier League goals this season.
Who is Aston Villa's top scorer? Ollie Watkins has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season.
