The Amex Stadium hosts Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa as both sides begin their 2026-2027 Premier League campaigns on Sunday.
Both clubs enter the new season after significant changes to their squads. Fabian Hurzeler is continuing to develop his system on the South Coast, while Unai Emery is adapting to major midfield absences and defensive changes at Villa Park.
With senior absences and high-profile transfer activity opening up immediate vacancies, both managers could turn to young players to fill important roles on the opening weekend.
Striver.Football profiles six young players to watch ahead of the new Premier League season.
Aston Villa's Young Players to Watch
George Hemmings
Age/Position: 19 | Central Midfielder
With Amadou Onana facing a long-term layoff and Joao Gomes sidelined with a calf strain, Unai Emery has important gaps to fill in Villa's midfield.
Hemmings impressed during pre-season and could be in contention for a surprise opening-day start.
If selected, Hemmings could face an immediate test against Brighton's aggressive pressing game, his ball-winning volume and forward distribution will be vital to keeping Villa connected.
Johan Manzambi
Age/Position: 20 | Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Signed for a club-record £59.5 million from Freiburg following a brilliant 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Switzerland (3 goals, 2 assists), Manzambi gives Villa another explosive attacking option.
After a demanding summer with Switzerland, if unleashed off the bench, his dribbling, physicality and pace in transition could make him a dangerous option against a tiring Brighton defence late in the game.
Lamare Bogarde
Age/Position: 21 | Defensive Midfielder / Centre-Back
Ezri Konsa's £51 million departure to Arsenal has created an immediate need for Villa to adjust their defensive options. Bogarde’s versatility allows him to seamlessly drop into a double pivot or step back into central defense.
If Emery adopts a more cautious approach against Brighton's attacking players, Bogarde’s positional discipline will be crucial.
Brighton's Young Players to Watch
Luka Vuskovic
Age/Position: 19 | Centre-Back
Arriving in a landmark £50 million transfer to replace Jan Paul van Hecke, the 6ft 4in Croatian defender could be handed an immediate starting role.
After starting Brighton's UEFA Conference League play-off against Tromso in midweek, Vuskovic's physical presence, aerial dominance, and goal-scoring threat on set-pieces will be central to containing Villa's frontline led by Ollie Watkins.
Jack Hinshelwood
Age/Position: 21 | Central Midfielder/Full-Back
Formally inheriting the prestigious No. 8 shirt for the 2026-27 season, Hinshelwood has evolved from a flexible utility option into the tactical heartbeat of Hurzeler's system.
His intelligence on the half-turn allows him to shift between an inverted full-back and a central double-pivot, making him an important option in Brighton's midfield and build-up play.
Zadok Yohanna
Age/Position: 19 | Left-Winger
Widely tipped as one of Brighton's potential breakout players for the 2026-27 season, Yohanna enjoyed an explosive pre-season against elite European opposition like AS Roma and Bologna.
Facing a reshuffled Villa backline missing key regulars, Yohanna's pace and direct dribbling could make him an important wide option against Villa's reshuffled defence.
What Young Players Can Learn From Brighton vs Aston Villa
Turn Pre-Season Form Into First-Team Opportunities: Delivering high-intensity, disciplined performances during summer friendlies as demonstrated by George Hemmings and Zadok Yohanna is the fastest way to earn trust when senior injuries strike.
Master Positional Versatility: Modern top-flight managers demand players who can execute multiple roles; Jack Hinshelwood and Lamare Bogarde show how adapting between central midfield and the backline secures key rotational minutes.
Turn International Form Into Club Opportunities: Starlets like Johan Manzambi show that making an impact on the highest international stage accelerates top-tier club transfers and prepares young attackers for the high pressure of the Premier League.
