Aston Villa have all the proof they need to utilise tactical tweak vs Brighton
Aston Villa could be best off utilising a new formation against Brighton on Sunday.
It is unclear right now what the expectations really are for the Villans this season.
A vast number of first-team stars have moved on and left Unai Emery to build a new spine to his side.
That has seen fear build up in B6 of what the new campaign, while excitement for a new era still exists.
The first true test will come against the Seagulls on their opening day of the Premier League.
Villa may now be better placed to utilise a different set-up to normal after what's gone on in the past week.
What formation could hamper Brighton?
It's safe to say that the claret and blue outfit are going to have a fresh look at the Amex.
No one truly knows what to expect from them.
It could actually be that they opt for a different formation to get the better of Fabian Hurzeler's side.
A five-back approach may prove to be useful, given that Brighton struggled against it in mid-week.
The Seagulls faced Norwegian outfit Tromso in the first-leg of their Conference League qualifier on Thursday.
The encounter finished 0-0 as the hosts lined up in a 5-3-2 formation.
Hurzeler saw his forwards struggle as their whole front three of Georginio Rutter, Diego Gomez and Ibrahim Osman were substituted in the second half.
That isn't to say that Amario Cozier-Duberry, Charalampos Kostoulas and Zadok Yohanna did any better.
They all struggled up against a packed out backline and midfield, despite them having 68 per cent possession.
They managed to get just 19 per cent of their shots on target, while also missing all four of their big chances.
That sums up the problems they had infront of goal against a back-five.
It could be something that Villa can learn and take inspiration from.
How could Aston Villa utilise a five-back formation vs Brighton
Emery is very staunch in his ways and only ever changes his formation in very, very rare moments.
Unfortunately, he's in a period where he might not have much choice but to change his squad.
There are three centre-back's available to him with Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelof, who boast a combined 474 Premier League appearances.
Add Matty Cash and either Ian Maatsen or Matteo Ruggeri either side of that, you have a positive looking backline.
Then there is plenty of gile in a potential midfield three that could feature John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Boubacar Kamara.
They all bring something different and can certainly go both ways after contributing to 26 goal involvements between them last time around.
That set-up would then allow for Emery to utilise pace upfront to stretch the Brighton backline, while he's without a recognised number nine.
Alejandro Garnacho and Alysson could bring that to the Amex, while also having the choice to utilise Emi Buendia or George Hemmings as more creative forces.
This would represent a bold approach from the Villans, but could be effective up against the Seagulls.