Brighton vs Aston Villa prediction: Seagulls set for Seagulls set for big battle with Villans

Brighton host Aston Villa on Monday night as both sides look to maintain their impressive starts to the Premier League season.

Graham Potter's side have taken seven points from their opening three games, including a memorable 2-1 win at Manchester United, while Villa have six points from three matches following a 2-1 victory over Everton last time out.

Brighton have been one of the most impressive teams in the league so far this season, with their high-energy pressing game causing problems for opponents. They will be confident of causing Villa problems on Monday night, especially with home advantage.

Villa, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement under Steven Gerrard, with their attacking players starting to click.

Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey have both been in good form, while Ollie Watkins has scored two goals in his last two games.

However, Villa's defence has looked vulnerable at times, and they will need to be at their best to keep out Brighton's attack.

Overall, this is a tough game to call. Brighton are the in-form side, but Villa have the quality to cause them problems.

I think it will be a close game, but I'm backing Brighton to edge it 2-1.

Team news

Brighton have no fresh injury concerns, with Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Sarmiento still out.

Villa will be without Ezri Konsa, who is suspended, while Lucas Digne is a doubt with a knock.

Predicted line-ups

Brighton: Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Cucurella; Gross, Lallana, Bissouma, March; Maupay, Welbeck

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Mings, Hause, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins, Bailey

Key battle

The key battle in this game will be between Brighton's attack and Villa's defence. Brighton have been in impressive form going forward, while Villa have looked vulnerable at times at the back.

If Brighton can get their attacking players firing, they will be confident of causing Villa problems. However, if Villa can keep them quiet, they will be in with a chance of getting something from the game.

Match prediction

I think this will be a close game, but I'm backing Brighton to edge it 2-1.

Brighton are the in-form side, and they will be confident of causing Villa problems at home. Villa have the quality to cause Brighton problems, but I think Brighton's high-energy pressing game will be too much for them.