Expect Brighton in their usual 4-2-3-1, looking to dominate possession and pull Villa's midfield out of shape. Hurzeler wants his full-backs high and his number ten drifting into the half-spaces. They will try to knife through the lines with quick combinations, forcing Villa to chase shadows. Villa, under Emery, will likely mirror that 4-2-3-1, but they may sit a touch deeper, absorbing pressure and looking to hit on the break through Watkins' pace. The midfield dogfight will be key — Brighton's double pivot against Villa's, with McGinn's energy and bite crucial for the visitors. Without Rogers, Villa lack that ball-carrier who can turn defence into attack in one dribble. Brighton's press will smell blood. The game state likely sees Brighton camped in Villa's half, with Villa relying on set-pieces and transitions. The Amex crowd will demand urgency, and Brighton should deliver.