Aston Villa lineup vs. Brighton: Predicted XI for opening 2026-27 Premier League fixture

Aston Villa could be without as many as eight players for their opening game of the 2026-27 Premier League season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

Amadou Onana (knee) is a long-term absentee, while new signings Johan Manzambi (knee) and Joao Gomes (calf) have been added to an injury list also including 17-year-old starlet Brian Madjo (unspecified) and Leon Bailey (muscle).

Both Tammy Abraham (knock) and Alejandro Garnacho (concussion) are doubtful, while Ollie Watkins may not feature amid interest from Al-Hilal, with head coach Unai Emery unable to guarantee the striker will stay at Friday’s press conference.

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was recently signed from Parma and the Japan international could be handed his full Premier League debut between the sticks at the expense of Emiliano Martinez, who continues to be linked with an exit.

Defenders Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have also arriving at Villa Park in the last few days, but it remains to be seen whether they will be ready to start against Brighton.

Following the £51m sale of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres could form a centre-back partnership, with Matty Cash and Ian Maatsen operating as full-backs.

Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and teenager George Hemmings could form a midfield triumvirate, while John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia may begin on the flanks in support of striker Watkins, should he be available.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Hemmings; McGinn, Barkley, Buendia; Watkins

> Click here to see how Brighton & Hove Albion could line up against Aston Villa