Mark Lawrenson makes intriguing Brighton score prediction ahead of Aston Villa clash

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa controls the ball under pressure from Lewis Dunk of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on November 21, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson backed the hosts to pick up a 2-1 win at the Amex.

Expanding on his pick, Lawro said: "Brighton lost to Leicester in the FA Cup in midweek but they keep rolling along nicely in the league, picking up another point against Burnley last weekend.

"Aston Villa are a bit up and down of late, results-wise at least, because they have gone win-loss-win-loss-win in their past five games. I think that pattern will continue here, with a defeat."

Meanwhile, Lawro's opponent for the week, singer-songwriter Mike Rosenberg aka Passenger, also opted for a 1-1 draw, and revealed: "I've got a soft spot for Brighton, who are my local team, and they are doing brilliantly in the league at the moment. This should be a tight one."

The last time the two sides met, back in November, goals from Solly March and Danny Welbeck saw the Seagulls claim a 2-1 win at Villa Park, in a game that also saw Tariq Lamptey sent off late on.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow evening's match, Brighton boss Graham Potter revealed that Lamptey was still some way off making his return from injury and said: "He took a step back as he was getting close to coming back,.

“It’s just one of those things that we have to try and improve from, but it can happen. We have to err on the side of caution and he’s not too far away now.”