Brighton have recently got back to back wins, with one of those in the Midlands with a 2-1 win over Walsall at Bescott last weekend.

There are expected to be many changes for Villa, with Brad Friedel, Carlos Cueller, Stiliyan Petrov, James Milner, Ashley Young and Emile Heskey all expected to be rested.

Curtis Davis could make a return after a lenghty stay on the injury table but will have to proove his fitness, while Wilfred Bouma is also close to return but it is expected that this weeks game will come to early for him.

Brighton will be missing on loan defender Marcos Painter as he is cup tied, so Jim McNulty is expected to come into the fold.

Gus Poyet’s side will no doubt come to Villa Park knowing they have everything to gain, and nothing to lose so this wont be no walk in the park.

Avillafan.com Prediction: Home win.