Preview: Bournemouth vs. Brighton & Hove Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Cherries are one of the form teams in a congested survival battle, Brighton find themselves in sixth position in the standings.

Match preview

There have been times this season where Bournemouth have either drastically under-performed or not got the rewards that otherwise encouraging displays have deserved.

However, Gary O'Neil's side appear to have turned a corner, collecting nine points from six matches with victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and, most recently, Fulham.

Unlike in the former two wins where they prevailed 1-0, the Cherries had to come from behind versus the Cottagers, winning by a 2-1 scoreline courtesy of goals from Marcus Tavernier and Dominic Solanke.

As it stands, Bournemouth are potentially just a defeat away from falling back into the bottom three, yet every triumph from here onwards will move them closer to survival.

Bournemouth have lost just one of their most recent five games at their home ground - a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City - and they will believe that they can add another positive result versus their fellow South-coast outfit.

Having lost just once in 10 matches in the Premier League in 2023, it would be wrong to overly criticise Brighton's recent form, but Roberto De Zerbi will feel as though his team are missing opportunities to cement a top-six spot.

While beating an impressive Brentford outfit was never going to be an easy task, Brighton found themselves behind on three occasions and were left feeling grateful for a 3-3 draw.

With matches in hand on the teams around them, the Seagulls' fate remains in their own hands, but there is pressure to bounce back in what they will feel is one of their most favourable matches of the run-in.

Brighton's away form has been outstanding since the end of October, collecting 12 points from six games, although their last three visits elsewhere have ended in a share of the spoils.

When the teams squared off in the reverse fixture in February, Brighton were reliant on an 87th-minute goal from Kaoru Mitoma to get over the line.

Bournemouth Premier League form:

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Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form:

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Brighton & Hove Albion form (all competitions):

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Team News

With their half-time introductions versus Fulham acting as the catalyst for Bournemouth's comeback, Tavernier and Ryan Christie will expect to be recalled to the starting lineup.

Jaidon Anthony and Dango Ouattara face losing their places in the side, and that may prove to be the only two alterations made by O'Neil.

Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas are currently the only players unavailable for selection.

Brighton will hope to be able to call upon Evan Ferguson who missed out at the weekend due to a knock.

If the Republic of Ireland international is passed fit, he could replace Danny Welbeck, while Adam Webster may be brought back into the defence.

Tariq Lamptey is in line to return to the squad after no risks were taken with a knee issue on Saturday.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:

Neto; Smith, Stephens, Senesi, Kelly; Ouattara, Rothwell, Lerma, Anthony; Billing; Solanke

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:

Steele; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Estupinan; Gross, Caicedo; March, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson

We say: Bournemouth 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion

While Bournemouth have pulled off some fine wins this season, very few have come in succession. With that in mind, we are backing Brighton's superior quality to shine through in what should prove to be an entertaining fixture.

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