Ollie Watkins sat on the substitutes' bench, with Unai Emery pointing alongside him in a split image

Ollie Watkins and Unai EmeryImago

Why Unai Emery faces no choice over Ollie Watkins call in Aston Villa clash vs Brighton

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17 Aug 2026, 5:47 pm

Unai Emery will surely accept he has little choice but to rush Ollie Watkins back for Aston Villa's clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.

And that is not only because of injury issues elsewhere.

Brian Madjo sustained an injury last week that will rule him out until next month, while Tammy Abraham is also nursing a knock.

That puts even more pressure on Watkins to quickly regain fitness after being given an extended break following England's World Cup campaign.

Watkins has had no pre-season whatsoever, yet could be thrown into the starting line-up at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

Based on the striker's previous record against Brighton, it makes perfect sense why.

What is Ollie Watkins' record vs Brighton?

All this is assuming Watkins remains a Villa player come next weekend.

That is amid reports earlier on Monday suggesting Watkins has agreed to join Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Even if that is the case, Emery will be eager to retain his services even if for another week or so.

Watkins has been a superb servant for Villa, as Brighton know pretty well.

He has been involved in 11 Premier League goals against the Seagulls - nine goals of his own and two assists.

Incredibly, all of those have come in his last nine appearances against Brighton, so he is averaging better than a goal involvement per game.

Against no side does Watkins have a better Premier League record than he does Brighton.

Even if Abraham is fit, it makes sense for Emery to get Watkins in from the start on the South Coast.

Ollie Watkins among hottest in Europe as Aston Villa star achieves a new Premier League first

Why Villa's trip to Brighton is pretty unique

Villa's clash is taking place on Sunday due to Brighton being in Europa Conference League qualifying action on Thursday.

The Villans are no strangers to playing on that day of the week, although not since 2008-09 have they started a season on a Sunday.

On that occasion, Gabby Agbonlahor scored a hat-trick as Villa beat Manchester City 4-2.

Thirteen of Villa's past 14 opening matches have been contested on a Saturday, with the exception being a clash with Sheffield United on a Monday in 2020-21.

Ollie Watkins