The Seagulls are flying high in the Premier League in third place with five wins from their first six matches. Key men are however struggling with injuries and De Zerbi will likely make a host of changes to the team that lost 1-0 at Chelsea on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup. De Zerbi defended his selection, with a number of first-team regulars having been rested following Sunday’s win over Bournemouth.
“We played good enough to win the game but to win you have to score,” he said. “We didn’t score in the first half when we had many chances to score. Not difficult chances. We were not able to score, then you keep the game open. I am sorry, I’m disappointed for the result because I want to compete in four competitions. I think the first XI was enough to win the game.
“We have to adapt, we have to improve, The young players have to progress, but quickly, because in football we don’t have time. I don’t want to make any excuses. It was the right first XI to win the game.”
Here’s a look at Albion’s walking wounded ahead of the trip to Villa Park…
“We have to adapt, we have to improve, The young players have to progress, but quickly, because in football we don’t have time. I don’t want to make any excuses. It was the right first XI to win the game.”