Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Aston Villa Betting Preview – EPL, February 13, 2021

After the way both these two clubs performed last season, this fixture should probably be between two fairly even teams at a similar position in the league.

But it is Aston Villa that has really kicked on this season – and now sit in mid-table, looking to push for the European places, while Brighton toil to keep away from the bottom three.

Brighton’s recent good form has forced the oddsmakers to even out the odds for this one, even if it still makes Aston Villa the favorite to walk off with all three points. Villa does seem the more likely to win out of the two – but the price offered for the draw on Saturday looks quite enticing.

Brighton couldn’t quite keep up its incredible run of form to overcome Burnley at the weekend, to go with the shock wins against Spurs and Liverpool in the previous games. But there was a definite feeling of confidence in the team that suggests that Graham Potter’s methods are beginning to flourish.

That draw at home with Burnley made it five games unbeaten for the Seagulls – their best run of form by far this season – and the prospect of home advantage here might give the fans some ideas. The return of players like Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana as subs in the Burnley game will also raise hopes of a good result.

But Aston Villa has its sights set on the top five this season. After only just staying up last year, Dean Smith has transformed this squad into one of the most exciting in the division – and one that continues to impress as the season goes on. The talent of Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley was well known, but now striker Ollie Watkins is really beginning to enjoy Premier League life.

The former Brentford striker scored the winner very early in the game against Arsenal at the weekend, and he now has ten goals for his new club. His movement and activity could really trouble the Brighton defense on Saturday – and that is before the likes of Grealish are even considered.

I have been really impressed with the way that Brighton has improved this year, and the belief shown by keeping Graham Potter in his job is starting to pay dividends now. There are definitely three worse sides in the Premier League, so relegation should not be a problem this season – but beating a very good Aston Villa on Saturday might be too tall a task.