Brighton & Hove Albion will look to bounce back from their Europa League defeat as they face Bournemouth in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.
The Seagulls suffered a 3-2 loss against AEK Athens in their first-ever continental match, while Bournemouth held Chelsea to a goalless draw in their recent league encounter.
Preview
Despite two penalties from Joao Pedro, awarded only after VAR reviews, Brighton experienced a challenging start in the Europa League.
AEK Athens capitalized on a stunning Djibril Sidibe header, a finish from Mijat Gacinovic, and a fortunate Ezequiel Ponce goal to secure a victory.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side is determined to regain momentum in Group B with a third consecutive Premier League win following impressive triumphs over Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Brighton currently boasts the highest goal tally in the league this season, with 15 goals scored. Their attacking prowess has propelled them to fifth place in the rankings.
However, defensive concerns persist as the team is yet to keep a clean sheet in all competitions since May.
Nonetheless, their home ground, the Amex Stadium, has been a fortress, with no team managing to shut them out since February.
Bournemouth’s recent goalless draw against Chelsea showcased a spirited defensive display.
Although still searching for their first Premier League win under head coach Andoni Iraola, the Cherries have shown resilience against strong opponents.
Their previous 2-2 draw against Brentford, a team known for their competitiveness, is also seen as a positive sign.
Currently placed 15th in the Premier League, Bournemouth aims to climb up the table and secure their first maximum points haul of the season.
Team News
Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Evan Ferguson missed the Europa League clash due to minor muscular problems and illness, respectively. James Milner also suffered an early substitution in that match.
Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman, and Simon Adingra may return to the starting lineup after their impressive performances against Manchester United.
Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati might earn his first Premier League start.
Bournemouth has no fresh injury concerns following their draw with Chelsea.
Alex Scott and Tyler Adams remain sidelined due to knee and thigh injuries, respectively.
Emiliano Marcondes and Ryan Fredericks continue to recover from ankle and calf injuries.
Lewis Cook, who stood out in midfield against Chelsea, is expected to partner with Philip Billing in the engine room.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Steele;
Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan;
Gilmour, Gross;
Adingra, Lallana, Mitoma;
Welbeck
Bournemouth:
Neto;
Aarons, Zabarnyi, Kelly, Kerkez;
Billing, Cook;
Tavernier, Christie, Sinisterra;
Solanke
Prediction:
Despite concerns of fatigue and injuries to key players like Dunk and Ferguson, Brighton’s attacking prowess should outweigh their defensive vulnerabilities.
We predict a thrilling encounter with Brighton emerging as 2-1 winners against a resilient Bournemouth side.
