AST vs BHA: Aston Villa Predicted starting Xi (4-3-3) Digne to start, Bailey and Watkins to lead the attack as Unai Emery makes changes in crucial final game of the season
Two sides led to new heights by incoming managers meet on the final day of the Premier League season when Aston Villa host Brighton.
Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard and has led the Villans up to seventh, which would be good enough for Europa Conference League play-off spot. The Seagulls managed to secure sixth place with a draw against Manchester City on Wednesday, making it their best ever season in the top flight.
Left-back Alex Moreno departed Anfield only 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute last time out, so Lucas Digne should get a second consecutive start having been back-up since the Spaniard’s January arrival.
Philippe Coutinho last played in mid-February, scoring in a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, and won’t feature on Sunday. Calum Chambers has been ill while Diego Carlos is touch and go to return after a long absence.
Aston Villa and Brighton have been in direct competition for a European spot towards the end of the season and it’s still a possibility for the home side, who sit seventh a point ahead of Tottenham ahead of the final day.
Bettering Spurs’ result at Leeds will bag Unai Emery’s side a Europa Conference League play-off round spot and there’s potential for goals in Birmingham as the Villans chase that victory while the Seagulls attempt to draw them in and pounce.
The result should be a fascinating game filled with entertainment to bring a close to successful seasons for both clubs.
Aston Villa predicted lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz; Ramsey , Bailey, Watkins.
