Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 36
Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa
American Express Stadium
Brighton and Hove, England
Sunday, 5 May 2024
Kick-off is at 13h00
Aston Villa will look to firm their grip on fourth place in the
Premier League when they travel to the Amex for a clash with Brighton on Sunday, May 5.
The Villans have put themselves in a strong position to pip Tottenham to the final UEFA Champions League berth after going unbeaten in their last four matches.
Unai Emery's side were denied a third straight win as Chelsea battled back from two goals down to clinch a 2-2 draw at Villa Park on April 27.
Villa opened up a seven-point gap to Spurs, who suffered a 3-2 defeat to fierce North London rivals Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 28.
The Lilywhites do have two games in hand on the West Midlands giants, but their goal difference is inferior, placing them at a disadvantage in the race for a top-four finish.
The Seagulls are in danger of seeing their promising season peter out after going winless through the month of April.
Roberto De Zerbi's side were challenging for European football at one stage, but they've picked up just 14 points out of a possible 45 this year to drop out of the top 10.
A 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on April 28 extended their winless run to six games and left Albion four points adrift of the Cherries (10th) in 12th spot.
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
In team news, the hosts remain without a whole host of players as Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings (all knee), Jacob Ramsey (ankle) and Nicolo Zaniolo are all ruled out, while Emiliano Martinez (thigh), Youri Tielemans and Alex Moreno (calf) are rated doubtful. The visitors too are missing several players, with Solly March (knee), Evan Ferguson, Jack Hinshelwood (both ankle), Pervis Estupinan (calf), Kaoru Mitoma (back), Jan Paul van Hecke and James Milner (both thigh) unavailable for selection.
Emery was pleased to clinch European football for next season, but has demanded more from his players as they look to qualify for Europe's elite club competition for the first time since 1982-83.
"I'm very happy because we achieved today playing next year in the Europa League," the Spaniard told VillaTV.
"We were here with our supporters enjoying the moment, trying to add another challenge we have in front which is to get fourth position for Champions League.
"Our performance was not enough and, really, we could do better, but I have to accept it and overall to be happy."
De Zerbi has challenged his players to raise their standards for the final four games of the campaign after acknowledging the performances of late haven't been good enough.
"We have to find the energy and the mentality to finish a very tough season strongly and for our fans we have to give more and play better," the Italian said.
"We lost the game in a bad way and I'm sorry for our fans, they don't deserve this. It is part of our job to work seriously for our club and our fans.
"It's not easy. We dreamt of reaching Europe but if you're not able you still have to fight and play with different energy. I want to finish the last four games in a strong way for our fans.
"We are spending a tough moment. We want to play better because our best in this moment is not enough."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Brighton wins - 0
Aston Villa wins - 5
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 36 fixtures:
Friday, May 3
19h00: Luton Town v Everton
Saturday, May 4
11h30: Arsenal v Bournemouth
14h00: Brentford v Fulham
14h00: Burnley v Newcastle United
14h00: Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest
16h30: Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sunday, May 5
13h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa
13h00: Chelsea v West Ham United
15h30: Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Monday, May 6
19h00: Crystal Palace v Manchester United
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