Brighton at Villa Park in episode one of the Stevie G show

So, I've got a feeling there is going to be quite the atmosphere at Villa Park today and that is always going to be the case with a new manager at a Club like ours. But we shouldn't expect miracles.

However, there is often an immediate impact with a new manager and we are at home. When I write about miracles, I'm mostly referring to this season. Nothing is impossible but we have to accept that time is going to be needed.

But it is exciting, right?

Just because former players rarely go on to be top managers, it doesn't mean it isn't going to happen this time. See how easy I can get carried away? Stevie G is the Aston Villa manager now and while I think he only one one of none possible trophies in Scotland, he still won something and that is what we need. Now, we're not one of only two Clubs in this country that are likely to win the League, but that doesn't mean he can't make us one.

So all eyes are on Villa Park this afternoon. And yes, you saw what I did?

I don't know what else to write about today. Gerrard has only had a few days and I'm not sure if that is enough. Some seem to think it is, I'm inclined to think that it takes longer. Either way, like I wrote at the top, it's going to be some atmosphere today and a win will have everyone believing. Back this afternoon.

Match facts from the BBC

Head-to-head

• Aston Villa won their first Premier League game against Brighton with a stoppage-time goal in October 2019 but haven't led in any of the subsequent three meetings (D2, L1).
• Brighton earned their first competitive away victory at Aston Villa in last season's corresponding fixture, at the 13th attempt (D3, L9).

Aston Villa

• Villa have suffered five successive Premier League defeats, their worst run since an 11-match streak from February to April 2016.
• They've conceded 13 goals in their past five games. Steven Gerrard's Rangers conceded 13 goals in 38 league fixtures last season.
• Villa have the worst first-half record in the division this season, leading only once at the break.
• Only two of the previous 12 permanent managers to take charge of Aston Villa in the Premier League have won their first game for the club: John Gregory in 1998 and Gerard Houllier in 2010.

Brighton & Hove Albion

• Brighton are winless in six top-flight matches, drawing five, having won four of their opening five league fixtures this season.
• Nonetheless, they are one of three clubs with an unbeaten Premier League away record in 2021-22, alongside Chelsea and West Ham.
• Albion's only longer unbeaten away run from the beginning of a season was 12 matches in the Championship six years ago.
• The Seagulls have conceded seven goals in their past three Premier League games.