Bernardo eager to right the wrongs against Villa

Bernardo says that Saturday’s contest against Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium is vital, as Albion look to avenge the harsh defeat by Dean Smith’s side at Villa Park back in October.

James Hilsum

2020-01-16T06:00:00Z

Bernardo

Matt Targett scored a stoppage-time strike to secure Villa all three points in a cruel 2-1 defeat for the Seagulls in October, and the Brazilian is eager to consign that defeat to the past.

He said, “It’s a very important game because it’s a team that’s fighting near us in the table. We know that we are in a similar level in the table, and it feels like a six-pointer.

“It’s a very important game at home and we still have a bitter feeling from the last match. We need to enjoy this opportunity and try to get something from this match.”

Bernardo is relishing the prospect of facing Jack Grealish.

The defender could come up against Jack Grealish on Saturday, and he is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against the Villa captain.

“He’s a very good player, who I’ve been following quite a bit recently. English people would have known him for longer from his time in the Championship, but I didn’t follow the league much last season," added Bernardo.

“I know his qualities now though and he’s a very good player. I’ll have to be very careful against him."

Bernardo also spoke about compatriot Wesley being ruled out for the season with a knee ligament injury, and expressed his sympathies for the Villa forward, who had worked hard for a chance in the Premier League.

“It’s really sad when a player gets injured, and you can’t do what you love to do," he added.

“It’s especially sad for him, if you see the timeline of his personal history after coming from Brazil, going to Belgium and then coming to Premier League.

“He’s a player that could help them a lot.”