Cherries look to pick themselves up from Carabao Cup defeat with victory over south coast neighbours

Eddie Howe’s AFC Bournemouth look to get back to winning ways after Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat at Chelsea with a victory against south-coast neighbours Brighton at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

The Cherries are currently 11th in the table with 23 points whilst the Seagulls of Brighton lie in 13th with 21 points.

With both teams set to face north London opposition in the form of Tottenham and Arsenal on Boxing Day coupled with Manchester United and Everton over the New Year, the game represents what could be a rare chance of three points. 

Bournemouth will also be hoping to snap a two-game losing run whilst Chris Hughton searches for his first win against Bournemouth as a manager having been unsuccessful in four attempts previously (one draw, three defeats).

Team News:

Callum Wilson should be able to play following his return to playing in midweek whilst Tyrone Mings is predicted to overcome a hip problem. Yet again, Simon Francis is seen as a doubt once more.

Wilson has scored in his last two league appearances against Brighton and the striker forms one half of the deadliest duo in the league this season. The recently capped England international and tricky Scottish winger Ryan Fraser have combined for six goals so far this season, more than any other duo in the league.

”Our squad is strong. We saw that in the changes we made in the Chelsea game. We’re in a good position and looking forward to our busy schedule.
“All of our focus right now is on Brighton. We know it’s a really big game for us and we’re excited by the challenge ahead of us.

Eddie Howe speaking ahead of AFC Bournemouth’s game with Brighton:

Brighton look set to continue without Shane Duffy, Jose Izquierdo and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

Duffy’s loss might be felt on the attacking side as much as the defensive end as four of Brighton’s away Premier League goals have been scored by defenders. Duffy and his regular centre back partner Lewis Dunk both netting twice.E

“Eddie Howe has got them playing in the way he wants to, very high tempo, a lot of pace in the team.

“They have a way of playing and it always smacks me in the face that they are a team where everybody knows their roles and jobs.

“We expect a very difficult game, particularly at Bournemouth.”

Chris Hughton speaking ahead of Brighton’s game with AFC Bournemouth:

Prediction: Both teams will be desperate for a win with tough fixtures ahead but Bournemouth may just edge this one due to their home advantage.

Bournemouth 2 Brighton 1

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