To get the lowdown on Albion’s opponents tomorrow, Aston Villa I spoke to Ashley Preece, who covers Villa for Birmingham Live:

What have you made of Villa’s start to the season?

It's been nothing short of incredible. To go from surviving on the final day of last season to now being within three points off top spot with a game in hand after seven league games is some doing.

Villa's momentum has stemmed from the tail-end of Project Restart, taking eight points from a possible 12 to clinch survival while, this season, Dean Smith's side have totalled 15 from 21 which isn't too shabby.

They honestly look the real deal, too. It's no fluke. They've been immaculate and statement-like this season, which was evident when they hammered both Liverpool and Arsenal.

They've had two blips: wrongfully going toe-to-toe with Leeds after going a goal down and being undone by free-kick specialist James Ward-Prowse in the defeat to Southampton.

What do you put their fast start to the season down to?

A brilliant recruitment drive across the summer, capped off with the addition of marquee signing Ross Barkley who's hit it off like a house on fire with Jack Grealish.

I've got to mention the captain Grealish, who's been literally been Lionel Messi-esque in the way he's spear-headed Villa's charge from relegation fodder to European dreamers. Grealish is the man of the moment right now, epitomised throughout his standout performance on his first competitive start for England out in Belgium.

Villa's fast start has been down to three things: Smith's work throughout Project Restart to make Villa tougher to beat; terrific transfers and the magic of skipper Grealish.

How have the summer signings fitted in and who has made the biggest impact?

Seamlessly; from the commanding, born-winner Emi Martinez to born-again Barkley, everyone's played their part.

Championship additions Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins have been shrewd additions too, the latter scoring six from his first seven Premier League games.

I believe he could well break Christian Benteke's 19-goal haul from his memorable debut season at Villa Park.

As far as which signing has had the biggest impact, I'm going to say Barkley.

It was a statement signing and his link-up play with Grealish and his ability in the final third has given Villa an added dimension.

Who will be the player that Albion will need to keep a close eye on and why?

Grealish. Brighton fans will remember his goal at the Amex last season while, at Villa Park, it was Grealish who did the damage in stoppage time with his cute ball in for Matty Targett who scored that late winner.

Grealish is on fire at the moment and Brighton could well be in for a daunting afternoon knowing Villa's No.10 is coming off the back of a confidence-boosting camp with England.

How will they lineup?

Villa will line up like they did for their 3-0 humbling of Arsenal at the Emirates, 4-2-3-1: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz, McGinn; Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins.

What will the score be?

I like Brighton and I think Graham Potter's done a magnificent job.

I like the way he operates but, on Saturday, I can see Grealish inspiring Villa to victory once more.

I'll go with a solid home win, 3-1.