Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

With Barkley dropping in, as expected, he and Buendia essentially two 10s. Usually, that system would require to wide forwards with pace to run in behind. #AVFC have not got that, so Maatsen and Cash's runs from deep likely to be key. Good cross from Maatsen just now

John Townley

We're underway at the Amex... Brighton 0-0 #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

The new season is underway. Ross Barkley up front. Buendia behind, Hemmings to the left and McGinn on the right. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Unsurprisingly, no Ollie Watkins in the squad. Even from a few days ago, it was always very unlikely. Made clear he wants to depart but #AVFC, more so than any other player who has left, really want to keep him - feel he can lead the new era.

John Townley

Ollie Watkins is not in Aston Villa's squad to face Brighton, but he is not currently travelling to Saudi Arabia to complete a move to Al-Hilal. Villa still prefer to keep him, and no agreement for his transfer has been reached yet. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Midfield is always a big tussle in most PL matches but especially against Brighton. No natural 9 at Emery's disposal not ideal but does mean you can have an extra player in deeper, central areas. Should lend itself to rotation, even if there might be a lack of cutting edge. #AVFC

John Townley

Brighton starting XI vs #AVFC: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Boscagli, Vuskovic, De Cuyper; Ayari, Groß; Gomez; Hinshelwood, Rutter. Subs: Steele, Struijk, Promise, Osman, Kostoulas, Costinha, Svoboda, Yalcouye, Yohanna.

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC XI: Bizot; Cash, Lindelof, Pau, Maatsen; Gomes, Kamara; McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings; Barkley

John Townley

Joao Gomes has arrived at the Amex with his Aston Villa teammates. #AVFC

John Townley

Aston Villa start their 2026/27 season here at the Amex this afternoon. Looking forward to football being the focus, at least for 90 minutes. Brighton have lost 64% of their Premier League games against Villa, who have scored seven times on their last two visits. 🏖️ #AVFC