Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
Date: 13/04/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Amex Stadium
Referee: Kevin Friend
After losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend, Brighton are ready to focus their efforts on avoiding relegation with Bournemouth being the first test in what looks to be a busy week for the Seagulls.
Brighton boss, Chris Hughton, has mentioned that the team will be focused first on playing to win and second on the math that would seem them safe from relegation. This is the right mentality from the manager, however, the words do seem rather late for a team which has been in horrendous form since the start of 2019.
Yet, Bournemouth have not fared much better than their hosts as the team that raised so many eyebrows in the first weeks of the competition has now faded into anonymity once again. A multitude of injuries, as well as the grueling schedule, has taken its toll on the Cherries who have managed to win only one of their last nine Premier League matches. Eddie Howe’s men may not be facing relegation, but they will undoubtedly be looking to end the season on a positive not against opponents they have already beat this campaign in the reverse fixture.
Brighton do appear to be surer of themselves after their FA Cup exit, especially since that exit included a strong performance against the favorites to win the competition, Manchester City. It is an interesting situation for the Seagulls and they displayed their capabilities as a team at Wembley, as they often have in important moments this campaign. But Brighton have fooled their fans on many occasions this season, making them believe their team may better their form in the league. The change has not come, but it must if Hughton is to keep his team afloat.
Fate suggests Brighton are the favorites in this matchup and the Seagull’s strength at home is nothing to scoff at. Still, Bournemouth’s team is stocked with quality players who can hurt teams on the counter. Although the duo of Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson may not sound as threatening as it once did, it would be unsafe for the hosts to assume the pair have lost their attacking flair. Both teams have grown a tad apathetic as the season comes to a close, but Brighton especially cannot afford to gift the Cherries another three points.
Team News
Brighton: Pascal Groß and Solly March are both doubts for the weekend clash. March’s absence in particular looks to be troubling as the winger has been one of Brighton’s best players this season. Luckily, however, Hughton will have several other wingers available to replace the 24-year-old.
It is time for Alireza Jahanbakhsh to finally turn his skill into goals in this fixture. The Iranian has had several entertaining performances with the Seagulls, but he has failed to make an impact. It may be taking time for him to adapt to play in the Premier League, but if the former Eredivisie player is to gain Hughton’s trust, a game like this would the time to do it.
Bournemouth: Injuries continue to plague the Cherries with a list of players being left out of the squad due to injury. Steve Cook, Charlie Daniels and Simon Francis alongside midfielders Andrew Surman and Lewis Cook will all be unavailable for Bournemouth’s visit to the Amex.
There are partnerships that produce goals regardless of the fixture. The one that has impressed most recently has been that of Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez; however, before them, it was Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson. Fraser, affectionately referred to as “wee man” and Callum Wilson did not appear capable of producing such a telepathic partnership, but they did, and with much success. Injuries halted their progress, but they have both settled back into the squad and it is possible that the duo could reignite the blistering form that sank the Seagull’s at the Vitality.
Predicted Starting XIs
Brighton (4-3-3): Ryan; Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo; Bissouma, Stephens, Propper; Knockaert, Murray, Jahanbakhsh
AFC Bournemouth (4-4-2): Boruc; Clyne, Mepham, Ake, Smith; Brooks, Gosling, Lerma, Fraser; King, Wilson
Score Prediction: Brighton 1 Bournemouth 1
Howe’s record against the Seagull’s is excellent and Brighton have shown little improvement outside of their FA Cup game. I think Bournemouth will do enough to leave with a draw at the Amex.
