Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash, we have the Bournemouth vs Brighton preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Bournemouth Vs Brighton Preview
South Coast sides Bournemouth and Brighton go toe-to-toe on Saturday afternoon with both clubs looking to pick up a precious three points at the Vitality Stadium.
The hosts will still be feeling wounded after their 3-2 defeat to Brentford before the international break. Andoni Iraola’s side led twice in west London before succumbing to the Bees.
However, record-signing Evanilson is really beginning to fire on all cylinders. The Brazilian forward has netted in his last three Premier League outings.
If he scores again on Saturday, he’ll become the first Cherries player since Callum Wilson in 2019 to make it four in a row. Which is no easy feat.
Iraola’s troops are also looking for a quartet of consecutive home wins in the English top-flight for the first time ever. In recent weeks, they have gotten the better of Southampton, Arsenal and champions Manchester City.
The Seagulls will be well aware of the task at hand and will likely not shy away from their typical attacking approach. Fabian Hurzeler’s side will still be buzzing after their victory over the Cityzens last time out.
Brazilian forward Joao Pedro returned to the scoresheet after his recent injury troubles to level after Erling Haaland’s opener. Summer signing Matt O’Riley then netted what turned out to be the winner, sending the Amex into pandemonium.
That win moved Hurzeler’s men back into sixth position in the table. They are currently four points better off than the Cherries who currently occupy 12th spot.
Recent history in this fixture favours Brighton. However, they were easily beaten on their last visit to the Vitality under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi.
Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites in the UK price the hosts at 7/5 with the draw available at 11/4. The Seagulls can be backed at 2/1.
Bournemouth Vs Brighton Team News
Andoni Iraola has a number of injury concerns to navigate for Bournemouth. The trio of Alex Scott, Julian Araujo and Luis Sinisterra are all ruled out.
However, Dango Ouattara, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo are all rated 50/50. Ryan Christie is also missing owing to suspension for picking up his fifth booking of the season.
Either Philip Billing or Marcus Tavernier are expected to fill the void. Justin Kluivert will be looking to build on his fine season so far alongside hotshot Evanilson.
For Brighton, boss Fabian Hurzeler has a growing injury list to contend with. Jack Hinshelwood and Yasin Ayari are the latest stars to be ruled out.
They join Tariq Lamptey, Carlos Baleba and Ferdi Kadioglu in the treatment room. James Milner also misses out as does club stalwart Lewis Dunk.
Exciting talent Carlos Baleba will keep his place in the starting XI. The Cameroonian dazzled in the victory over Manchester City last time out.
Bournemouth Vs Brighton Predicted Lineups
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Brighton (4-4-2): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Adingra, O’Riley, Baleba, Mitoma; Pedro, Welbeck
Bournemouth Vs Brighton Prediction
Saturday’s result could quite literally be anything with a gung-ho approach expected from both sides. Bournemouth have home advantage on their side whereas Brighton know they can mix it with anyone in the Premier League.
We are going to sit on the fence and predict a score draw between the Seagulls and Cherries. It promises to be a lively encounter and will excite the neutral.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton
