Speedy counter from Aston Villa almost results in a chance for Anwar El Ghazi.

Jack Grealish releases him through the middle but the Brighton defence swarm back and Adam Webster is there to make a fine block.

Neal Maupay is dropping off the Aston Villa defence shrewdly and he picks up another pocket of space on the edge of the box.

He shifts it onto his left foot but Tom Heaton is equal to his strike, diving low to his left to palm it away.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport reporter at Villa Park

Absolute pandemonium inside Villa Park.

Initially after the visitors were awarded a free-kick, which the home supporters took issue with and then from the left corner of the Doug Ellis stand as the Brighton fans wildly celebrated Adam Webster’s opening goal.

The decibel levels have ratcheted up a notch or two in the last few minutes.

Almost an immediate response from the home side.

Conor Hourihane bends in a low free-kick which Mat Ryan unorthodoxically keeps out at his near post.

The ball is recycled back into the box but John McGinn's header is comfortable for the Australian keeper.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport reporter at Villa Park

The Brighton fans are generating plenty of noise from their spot in the Doug Ellis stand.

It’s been an encouraging start for the visitors, who could and possibly should be ahead after carving out several early chances.

The hosts are really struggling to get to grips with Dale Stephens and Aaron Mooy, who is floating around on the left and causing all sorts of problems.

That looked harsh.

Martin Montoya and Conor Hourihane both go for a full-blooded challenge which the Aston Villa man seems to win cleanly. Referee David Coote has other ideas and books the Irish midfielder for his troubles.

Brighton continue to make the running. Pascal Gross's corner is just nodded off the head of Lewis Dunk but when the ball falls to Martin Montoya he blazes wildly over.

Aston Villa need to get a hold of it in midfield as they're chasing shadows at the moment.

First chance for Brighton's man-of-the-moment Aaron Connolly but the teenager can't take advantage.

Aaron Mooy again picks up space on the left and his low cross is only half cleared by Tyrone Mings. Connolly has time to shoot but he spoons well over from 12 yards.

Brighton have Aston Villa pinned in their own half, keeping possession tidily and working the Villa defenders all over the pitch.

Tyrone Mings is forced to slice away from inside his own six-yard box as the away team build the pressure.

Jack Grealish has never lacked confidence and he shows that swagger again in his own penalty area.

Aaron Mooy's ball is searching but, just a few yards from his own goal, Grealish pulls it down, spins away from Neal Maupay and helps his team out of danger.

Villa almost take the lead in bizarre fashion.

Jack Grealish leaves the Seagulls midfield floundering, feeds wide to Frederic Guilbert who swings in a cross. Mat Ryan spills it at his near post but, with Wesley waiting to pounce, Martin Montoya scrambles it behind.

Frederic Guilbert forces a corner down the other end.

Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels are forward but Brighton bring it clear.

Promising start for Brighton.

Good possession inside the Aston Villa half finishes with Neal Maupay beating Marvelous Nakamba and whipping a cross across the face of goal.

It takes a deflection and goes for a corner but it comes to nothing.

Referee David Coote blows his whistle and away we go.

Aston Villa are unbeaten at home to Brighton in all competitions, with eight wins and three draws in 11 meetings.

This is the first top-flight encounter between the sides since a goalless draw at Brighton's Goldstone Ground in March 1983.

They met at the Amex Stadium last month in the League Cup third round, with Villa winning 3-1 against a youthful home side.

Image source, BBC Sport

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport reporter at Villa Park

From the old school Aston Villa warm-up tops being sported by fans outside the stadium to blasts of Birmingham band Ocean Colour Scene coming out over the tannoy inside. There is a very retro feel inside Villa Park this afternoon.

Oh and if you haven’t heard it, OCS album, Moseley Shoals is well worth a listen.

Image source, Getty Images

Anwar El Ghazi is flying for Aston Villa at the moment, setting up or scoring a goal in each of his last three appearances.

The Dutch midfielder seems to have found his feet in the Premier League and will be expected to offer the supply line to Wesley this afternoon.

BBC Radio 5 Live

On Brighton striker Aaron Connolly...

Sheffield United's ex-Brighton midfielder midfielder Oliver Norwood: "I was so impressed with him in training. John Egan was in the Republic of Ireland squad with him. What impressed him the most was his movement.

"In training he was really sharp and was hitting things through players’ legs. I think he’s got a big future. He’s a grounded lad. He’s taken his opportunity. I think he’ll be playing every week and will score a lot of goals."

Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas: "He’s got hunger. He’s playing in a team who look like they have a freedom to attack. He was that fearless player when you’re young and getting your big chance. He had too much energy, pace and ability for Spurs."

Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator

Villa fans will display a banner picturing Tyrone Mings with the word PROUD. Fully deserved. He was impeccable in the face of vile racism in Sofia. It beggars belief that Bulgaria are still in the competition, let alone in with a chance of the play-offs.

There'll also be anniversary applause for Dean Smith. A year into the job and what a transformation he has brought.

Graham Potter is quietly going about his business at Brighton too. Both clubs come into this on the back of big wins. It's seven months since Albion won two in a row - but four and a half years since Villa managed it in the Premier League!

A draw wouldn't surprise. But if Aaron Connolly - buzzing from his Ireland debut - starts, he could be the difference.