Sutton Predicts Aston Villa to Defeat Brighton

Former player Chris Sutton believes Aston Villa will bounce back from recent home losses with a 3-1 win over struggling Brighton.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Chris Sutton, a former player, is predicting a 3-1 victory for Aston Villa over Brighton in their upcoming Premier League match. Sutton notes that Brighton have struggled of late, winning just one of their past 12 league games, and he worries they could get dragged into a relegation battle. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have lost their last two home games, which concerns Sutton, but he is backing his former team to bounce back with a win, citing the potential impact of young midfielder Morgan Rogers.

Why it matters

This match is an important one for both teams as they look to move up the Premier League table. Brighton will be desperate to end their poor run of form and distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Aston Villa will want to get back to winning ways at home after consecutive defeats. The outcome could have significant implications for the teams' seasons going forward.

The details

Brighton have won just one of their past 12 league games, a concerning run of form that has Sutton worried they could get dragged into a relegation battle. Aston Villa, meanwhile, have lost their last two home games against Everton and Brentford, which Sutton admits worries him. However, the former player is backing his old team to bounce back, citing the potential impact of young midfielder Morgan Rogers.

  • The teams last met in December, when Aston Villa won 4-3 at home against Brighton.
  • Aston Villa's last two home league defeats came against Everton and Brentford.

The players

Fabian Hurzeler

The manager of Brighton, who Sutton suggests is under pressure from the club's fans.

Unai Emery

The manager of Aston Villa, who Sutton is backing to lead his team to victory.

Morgan Rogers

A young midfielder at Aston Villa who Sutton believes could make the difference in the match.

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What they’re saying

“I'm surprised that the Seagulls are struggling. I looked at their bench against Crystal Palace at the weekend and thought 'blimey, they've got a good squad' - but they are underperforming and the fans seem really split on Hurzeler, and have been for a while.”

— Chris Sutton, Former player (BBC)

“Villa were lucky to get a point against Bournemouth at the weekend and I couldn't believe how Lucas Digne just let Rayan run past him for the Cherries equaliser. He seemed to give up and it was astonishingly bad defending.”

— Chris Sutton, Former player (BBC)

What’s next

The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams' seasons, with Brighton looking to pull away from the relegation zone and Aston Villa aiming to get back to winning ways at home.

The takeaway

This game pits two teams heading in opposite directions, with Brighton struggling for form and Aston Villa looking to bounce back from consecutive home defeats. Sutton's prediction of a 3-1 win for his former club Aston Villa suggests he believes they have the quality to overcome Brighton's current woes and secure a crucial three points.