Can Bournemouth take anything away from Brighton trip?

Written by billythekid

Another Tough Away Game

After a two-week break, the Cherries are back in action again in the Premier League this Saturday. It is an away game with the relatively short trip to the Falmer Stadium to play in form Brighton at 3 pm. With our last game at home ending in a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, though disappointing to only get a point after conceding a late goal, it was a welcome relief after four consecutive league defeats.

Brighton since we last met them have a new manager, this was after Graham Potter after three seasons in charge, left to take up the vacant managers job at Chelsea. In his place, Brighton appointed the Italian Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager. He was previously at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, but due to the war there, he left. It was reported he was also on AFCB’s list of managers before Gary O’Neil was appointed on a permanent basis.

De Zerbi’s first Premier League game in charge was away at Anfield and his side came away with a point in a 3-3 draw. Since then in league games, Brighton have W 5, D 2, L 5. In their home games under De Zerbi, Brighton beat Potter’s new club Chelsea 4-1 and Liverpool 3-0. They have drawn 0-0 with Nottingham Forest. Lost 0-1 against Spurs, 1-2 against Aston Villa and 2-4 against league leaders Arsenal. Away from home under their new manager, they beat Wolves, Saints and Everton. Drawn with Liverpool (mentioned above) and Leicester City. Lost against Brentford and Manchester City.

The last time our team visited Brighton, was the 2019-20 season, AFCB lost 2-0. AFCB in their previous five visits have a reasonable record, winning two and drawing two and losing one.

In all our away league games against Brighton, AFCB have W 12, D 15, L 26.

In all competitions, AFCB have W 44, D 29, L 38.

Brighton Team News
They have signed two midfield players, Facundo Buonanotte an 18-year-old from a club in Argentina, Rosario Central for an unknown fee and 19-year-old Swedish player Yasmin Atari from AIK Solna for £3.5 million. Amongst the players leaving, was Belgium international player Leandro Trossard who joined Arsenal for £27 million. On the injury front, their young forward Evan Ferguson was injured late in the FA Cup game against Liverpool, so will probably miss this game. Also out injured, Adam Lallana, Jakub Molder, Levi Colwill, Enoch Mwepu and Facundo Buonanette. There may be a doubt if Moises Caicedo will start after the recent transfer saga. Mac Allister is suspended.

Brighton Player To Watch
Their two wingers, Solly March has been in good form, 4 goals and 2 assists in his last five league games. The Japanese international Kaoru Mitmona has scored 3 in his last four league games. Alexis Mac Allister who was in the Argentina World Cup winning team has 5 goals and Pascal Gross, he has scored 6 goals and had 4 assists this season. They have an 18-year-old forward Evan Ferguson who has made a good impression since he has come into the team. Scored 3 goals and 2 assists in the recent two starts and three substitute appearances.

AFCB Team News
Gary O’Neil mentioned he was hoping to have a number of injured players back after the two-week break for the Brighton game. What with the six new signings, it will be interesting to see who are in the starting eleven. Possibly see some new faces on the bench.

AFCB Player To Watch
With a number of new signings, we may see one or two start. But will be hoping to see Marcus Tavernier back, we have missed him, he made things happen.

The Referee
Michael Oliver who we saw refereeing in the World Cup is in charge. He was our referee in the comeback away win against Nottingham Forest.

Your say…

afcdibby wrote…

I’m looking forward to this one.

Trains seem like they’re ok.

I also fancy us to get something. – To join the conversation, click here.