In a critical FA Cup quarter-final rematch, Brighton & Hove Albion hosts Aston Villa at Amex Stadium. After Villa's commendable 3-0 victory over Preston North End, they seek to continue their successful season that includes a Champions League debut. Meanwhile, Brighton, fresh off a disappointing penalty loss to Nottingham Forest, aims for their fourth consecutive top-flight home win, which would boost their standings. Both managers emphasize the importance of the match, recognizing their teams’ ambitions for European qualification amidst a fiercely competitive league.
"They are a very mature and experienced team," said Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler, noting that Villa are in the Champions League quarter-finals on their debut in the modern iteration of the competition. "We know they want to go to Europe. They are still in three competitions and going for a title, so they have had a great season."
"We have to stick together and show a reaction. We've proved that already this season." - Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler about the team's response after a recent loss.
"They are performing very, very well," Villans manager Unai Emery said of Brighton, describing Hurzeler as "fantastic" during his time in Germany with former club St Pauli. "Our test is a huge [one] - to show how we can face them and impose or dominate against a team in very good form."
"There are a lot of teams there fighting for these [European qualification] positions. It's amazing how we are facing the last part of the season." - Unai Emery on the competitive nature of the league as it enters a critical stage.
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