---
title: "Aston Villa confirmed XI vs Brighton as Watkins omitted amid Al-Hilal talks"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/23/aston-villa-confirmed-xi-vs-brighton-as-watkins-omitted-amid-al-hilal-talks/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-08-23T11:50:50Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T21:46:04Z"
---

# Aston Villa confirmed XI vs Brighton as Watkins omitted amid Al-Hilal talks

**Aston Villa have confirmed their starting XI to face Brighton & Hove Albion, with Ollie Watkins omitted from Unai Emery’s matchday squad entirely amid continuing talks over a move to Al-Hilal. Ross Barkley appears set to lead the attack, while João Gomes makes a surprise start after his recent injury concern.**

Villa begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at the Amex Stadium at 2pm BST.

Emery has named Marco Bizot in goal, with new £30million signing Zion Suzuki only among the substitutes.

Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen make up the back four, while Gomes partners Boubacar Kamara in midfield.

> Representing Aston Villa 👊 [pic.twitter.com/JjqgYhBzwb](https://t.co/JjqgYhBzwb)
>
> — Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/AstonVilla/status/2091491955687477613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Ollie Watkins absent from Aston Villa squad

Watkins’ absence is comfortably the biggest selection story.

The England international is not included among Villa’s nine substitutes despite having been expected to remain available for the Brighton fixture.

His future has been uncertain throughout the week. [Sky Sports reported that Al-Hilal remain in talks with Villa](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13575424/aston-villa-transfer-news-unai-emerys-side-expected-to-make-nicolas-jackson-approach-if-ollie-watkins-sold-to-al-hilal), with Watkins keen on the move and at least one offer already rejected.

Villa have previously [rejected an improved £45million bid for Watkins](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/21/aston-villa-reject-45m-watkins-bid-as-striker-pushes-for-al-hilal-move/).

There has been no confirmation that today’s omission is transfer-related, so Villa’s reasoning should not be assumed until Emery or the club provides further information.

Barkley is instead expected to operate as Villa’s most advanced player, supported by John McGinn, Emi Buendía and Hemmings.

## João Gomes makes surprise Aston Villa start

Gomes’ inclusion is another significant development.

The midfielder had been expected to miss the opening weekend after suffering a calf problem, with Villa’s injury situation having caused concern during the build-up.

Read Aston Villa had detailed [the injury problems facing Emery before the Brighton game](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/17/aston-villa-hit-by-four-injury-concerns-before-brighton-opener/), but Gomes has recovered sufficiently to start alongside Kamara.

There are also notable omissions elsewhere.

Emi Martínez is absent from the squad, while Tammy Abraham and new arrival Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also missing.

Suzuki, Tyrone Mings, Matteo Ruggeri and Alejandro Garnacho are among Emery’s substitutes.

**Aston Villa XI:** Bizot; Cash, Lindelöf, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Gomes; McGinn, Buendía, Hemmings; Barkley.

**Subs:** Suzuki, Mings, Ruggeri, Garnacho, Bogarde, Rowe, Alysson, Burrowes, Lynch.