Aston Villa and Brighton are both looking to end the year with a victory that could leave them in the hunt for a top six spot in the Premier League.
Villa have lost just once in their last 14 games at Villa Park, but are missing suspended striker John Doran, while Brighton are out of form.
The Seagulls last won at the end of November and have drawn their last two matches.
Here's how they're ranked:
Aston Villa team news
Ollie Watkins returns up front as expected as Doran begins his ban for being sent off at Newcastle. Watkins scored a hat-trick in this match last season as Villa won 6-1.
Diego Carlos starts at centre-back in a strong-looking Villa side.
Tonight's starting lineup to face Brighton 👊 #AVLBRI pic.twitter.com/afnACzljFZ
– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024
Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins.
Brighton team news
Solly Marsh is on the bench for Brighton again after returning from more than a year out due to injury on Boxing Day.
Tariq Lamptey comes in at right-back as the Seagulls rotate their squad.
Team news! 🚨 Here is the starting lineup for the match @AVFCOfficial Tonight. 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/QL8EfA3HBd
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 30, 2024
Brighton XI: Bart Verbruggen, Igor Julio, Louis Dunk, Jean-Paul van Hecke, Tariq Lamptey, Carlos Baleba, Yassine Ayari, Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, Brajan Gruda, Joao Pedro.
