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Bournemouth vs Brighton predictions: Cherries to win south-coast thriller

Bournemouth vs Brighton predictions: Cherries to win south-coast thriller

Brighton will be aiming to build on their fantastic win over Manchester City when they visit Bournemouth on Saturday, but the Cherries have a solid home record and will be difficult to beat.

Andoni Iraola’s side have taken some big scalps at the Vitality Stadium in recent months, also beating champions City, while they enjoyed a home win over Arsenal too.

Team news

Ryan Christie is suspended for Bournemouth after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Brentford, joining Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra on the sidelines for the hosts.

Striker Antoine Semenyo is a doubt with a foot injury, while Dango Ouattara could also miss out.

Brighton will be without at least four players for Saturday’s trip, with Ferdi Kadioglu, Adam Webster, James Milner, and Solly March all at least a couple of weeks from a return.

Fabian Hurzeler has impressed so far in charge of Brighton
Fabian Hurzeler has impressed so far in charge of Brighton

Summer signing Yankuba Minteh is struggling with a muscle problem, while defensive duo Tariq Lamptey and Lewis Dunk are also doubtful.

The stats

Bournemouth have conceded in four of their five home fixtures in the Premier League.

Brighton have lost two of their last three league away games.

The Seagulls have scored in every away match this season.

Bournemouth have scored eight goals in five home matches.

Prediction

A flurry of goals in the second half sent Bournemouth home from Brentford empty handed, but the Cherries have put some huge teams to the sword at the Vitality Stadium, and Brighton could be the next in line for a difficult afternoon.

Iraola’s side have beaten Arsenal and Manchester City in their last two home games to make it three home wins on the spin, although they have only kept one clean sheet in the Premier League this season, so it is unlikely they can keep an attack-minded Brighton at bay.

The Seagulls took advantage of City’s uncharacteristically poor form with a stunning win of their own over the defending champions before the international break, but they have lost two of their last three away games and could struggle against the in-form hosts.

However, Fabian Hurzeler's side have only failed to score in one league game all season and that came at the Amex Stadium, so expect them to get on the scoresheet at the Vitality.