Bournemouth travel to Brighton - Another ‘Cup Final’

Written by billythekid

After our home encounter with Arsenal which finished honours even in a 1-1 result. It was a much more spirited performance from the Cherries players and they produced 12 shots with 4 on target, a much-improved stat from the last home game against Burnley. Now the Cherries travel 97 miles South East to play Brighton at the Amex Stadium with only a two-day gap between games. Both teams have the same number of points and same GD, but the more important stat they are both just 2 points off the last relegation spot. The team and fans will be hoping it will be another fruitful visit for the Cherries to the Amex Stadium.

Brighton have a new manager in charge this season with Graham Potter the ex Swansea manager. He replaces Chris Houghton who had been in charge since December 2014 but was sacked after Brighton finished 17th in the Premier League last season. Brighton signed a few players in the Summer, among the highest fees paid were striker Neal Maupay from Brentford for £20 million. Another £20 million signing was defender Adam Webster from Bristol City. Winger Leandro Trossard from Genk for £15 million. Matt Clarke a central defender from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee. Midfielder Taylor Richards from Manchester City for an undisclosed figure. Defenders Romaric from PSG for an undisclosed fee and Lewis Freestone on a free transfer. On loan for the season midfielder Aaron Mooy from Huddersfield Town.

Brighton’s home results have been mixed, with 3 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. They have beaten Spurs, Everton and Norwich City. Drew with West Ham, Burnley and Wolves and lost to Southampton, Leicester and this season’s surprise package so far Sheffield United. Away they have won 2, draws 2 and 6 defeats. The wins were Watford and Arsenal. Drew with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. Lost against Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool and Boxing Day to Spurs 2-1.

The last time AFCB travelled along the South Coast to play Brighton they came back with 3 points after a resounding win by 0-5. I’ll ‘whisper’ this, we have a decent record at Brighton in our last five visits, 2 wins and 3 draws. In our league games played over the years at Brighton, the Cherries have Won 15, Drawn 12, Lost 25. In all competitions, the Cherries have Won 43, Drawn 29 and Lost 37.

Brighton Team News Jose Izquierdo has been out with a knee injury. Solomon March has been out with a groin strain.

Brighton Player To Watch
Neal Maupay looks a very good signing from Brentford. Always looking for an opportunity to score and not afraid to shoot. Aaron Mooy is a busy player on the pitch in his midfield role, one minute on the left and then on the right.

AFCB Team News
With it being too early after the game for any injury concerns, it was good to have the experienced Steve Cook back in the centre of defence and seeing Harry Wilson back.

AFCB Player To Watch
Josh King looked sharp against Arsenal and with a little more luck could have scored. With the Brighton game coming up hoping Eddie took him off in view of the next game.

Injury news update.

AFCB
Simon Francis missed Arsenal game due to knee injury and Diego Rico is available after suspension. So hopefully two more back available.

Brighton
Lewis Dunk missed the Spurs game due to illness.

Paul Tierney is the referee.

We had him for our 3-1 home win over Everton.

Callum Wilson scored a brace in that game

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