---
title: "Brighton vs Aston Villa: TV channel, kick-off time and £30m debut decision"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/17/brighton-vs-aston-villa-tv-channel-kick-off-time-and-30m-debut-decision/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa Match Previews"
published: "2026-08-17T12:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T11:47:06Z"
---

# Brighton vs Aston Villa: TV channel, kick-off time and £30m debut decision

**Aston Villa begin their Premier League campaign away at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, with Brighton vs Aston Villa TV coverage available live in the UK as Unai Emery prepares for several major selection decisions.**

Villa travel to the Amex Stadium on **Sunday, 23 August**, with kick-off scheduled for **2pm BST**.

The match will be shown live on **Sky Sports Premier League**, giving supporters in the UK the chance to watch Emery’s new-look side begin another Champions League season. Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the game through Sky Go.

Attention could quickly turn towards Villa’s newest arrival.

> Suzuki; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen; Kamara, Gomes, McGinn, Manzambi, Buendia, Watkins. \
> \
> Could be a beautiful team to watch. [#avfc](https://x.com/hashtag/avfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Villa Views (@VillaViews\_) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/VillaViews_/status/2089265227787379036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Brighton vs Aston Villa TV channel and how to watch

**Match:** Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa\
**Competition:** Premier League\
**Date:** Sunday, 23 August 2026\
**Kick-off:** 2pm BST\
**Stadium:** Amex Stadium\
**UK TV channel:** Sky Sports Premier League\
**Streaming:** Sky Go for eligible Sky Sports subscribers

The Premier League has confirmed the fixture as one of three televised matches on Sunday, alongside Manchester City against Bournemouth at 2pm and Newcastle United against Liverpool at 4.30pm.

## Could Zion Suzuki make his Aston Villa debut?

Villa’s goalkeeper decision has added considerable intrigue to the opener.

[Villa agreed a deal with Parma for Zion Suzuki on Sunday](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/16/aston-villa-agree-zion-suzuki-deal-as-juventus-bid-for-emi-martinez/), with the package worth approximately £30m including add-ons.

The Japan international has since progressed towards completing the transfer and has been identified as Villa’s intended first-choice goalkeeper.

Yet Emi Martinez remains at Villa Park.

[Juventus dramatically abandoned their pursuit of Martinez](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/16/aston-villa-handed-huge-emi-martinez-twist-as-juventus-walk-away/) despite previously submitting an improved offer, leaving Emery facing an immediate selection decision if Suzuki is registered in time.

Villa are also missing Brian Madjo, who is expected to remain sidelined until at least September, while João Gomes is facing roughly two to four weeks out.

## Villa have strong Brighton record to protect

The Amex has generally been a productive venue for Villa.

Emery’s side won a dramatic **4-3 encounter at Brighton last season**, while Villa have won four of their past five trips to the stadium and lost only once there in seven Premier League visits.

This time, however, much of the attention may fall on the team sheet before a ball is kicked.

Villa have spent the summer reshaping Emery’s squad.

Their first Premier League starting XI could provide the clearest indication yet of just how significant those changes will be.