Aston Villa have left their most important Premier League fixture of the season to the very last day as they can secure European football with three points against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Unai Emery’s side will be guaranteed to qualify for the Europa Conference League if they win but could miss out altogether if they don’t.
The Villans have plenty in their favour as Brighton are fatigued having played midweek. The Seagulls have also lad less preparation time after Roberto De Zerbi gave his players two days off for drawing 1-1 against Manchester City, and there’s very little to play for after Europa League football was secured.
It’ll still no doubt be a very difficult encounter for Villa, though, as Albion have produced some very high-quality performances lately – as well as throughout much of the campaign. With that in mind, and with this being a cup final occasion, here’s the lineup we think Emery will go with on Sunday.