Villa Travel to Brighton for Premier League Opener After Turbulent Summer

Summer departures plus a string of injuries leave Unai Emery’s squad short of established options for the match and could strain their early-season plans.

Overview

The Premier League opener between Brighton and Aston Villa kicks off at 20:00 BST on Sunday 23 August at the AMEX Stadium and will be shown in the UK on Sky Sports/NowTV.
Villa have confirmed the sale of defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal and have seen multiple other exits during a busy transfer window that brought several new signings into the squad.
A cluster of injuries has reduced Emery’s options with Amadou Onana ruled out long-term with an ACL problem and Joao Gomes, Johan Manzambi and other players unavailable for the opener.
Several summer recruits have not yet had time to settle together, leaving selection uncertain and previews and betting markets to favour an Aston Villa away double‑chance.
Villa enter the match as Europa Conference League winners facing heavier fixture demands this season, which raises the immediate importance of squad depth and short‑term fitness management.