Shropshire Star

Aston Villa v Brighton preview: Unai Emery demanding focus for Villa’s fast turnaround

Unai Emery has urged Villa’s players to refocus quickly as attention turns to tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Brighton.

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Ollie Watkins should be restored to the starting line-up after getting the winner against Chelsea last weekend, with Unai Emery set to ring more changes

The visit of the Seagulls comes barely 60 hours after Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup exit to Everton and represents the tightest turnaround for Emery’s team during a hectic run of four matches in 10 days, which began with the Europa Conference League loss to Legia Warsaw.

Disappointing though the manner of defeat to Toffees might have been, Emery has made no secret the Premier League is the club’s top priority this season and Villa enter the match targeting a third straight win in the competition, having beaten Crystal Palace and Chelsea since the international break.

“We didn’t win (on Wednesday) and we have to move on quickly because the next match is Saturday. We have to start facing the next challenge,” said the boss.

“We made some mistakes which were not normal. We tried to have a plan in 90 minutes to be competitive and get a win. Now we have to focus on Saturday.”