Saturday afternoon for Vitality Stadium go hot as Bournemouth host Brighton & Hove Albion. Both teams dey come with ginger after dem knack big wins before the international break, and na chance for dem to continue the momentum.
Match Preview
Bournemouth start season with 4-2 loss to Liverpool, but Andoni Iraola boys bounce back sharp with two straight 1-0 wins against Wolves and Tottenham. Evanilson early goal finish Spurs that day, and truth be say Bournemouth suppose don win by bigger margin. Iraola even yan say he “like almost everything” for him team display, though he admit dem need more killer instinct for final third.
Six points from three games na solid return – their second best Premier League start ever – and if dem beat Brighton, e go be the first time dem dey run three straight league wins since December 2024. Still, Brighton na tough opponent; Bournemouth don lose five of their last six meetings with the Seagulls.
Brighton meanwhile shock everybody before the break as dem come back from one goal down to beat Man City 2-1. James Milner, 39 years old, score penalty become oldest goalscorer for Premier League history, before Brajan Gruda finish City off. Fabian Hurzeler tactical subs change the game, but he talk say na energy and togetherness really give dem the win.
Form wise, Brighton dey hot since their 7-0 disgrace against Forest earlier this year – only Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea get more points since then. Plus, Brighton don win two of their last three away games against Bournemouth, so history no too favor the Cherries here.
Bournemouth Premier League Form
- L
- W
- W
Brighton Premier League Form
- D
- L
- W
Team News
Bournemouth: Adam Smith (hamstring) dey out, Enes Unal (knee) still long-term, while Lewis Cook go face late fitness test. Julian Araujo don return from suspension, and new loan signing Alex Jimenez dey ready to compete for right-back spot. Ryan Christie dey push for midfield start, while new boys Amine Adli and Ben Doak fit enter attack lineup.
Brighton: Adam Webster and Solly March (knee) still sidelined. Mats Wieffer (knee) fit but need assessment. Brajan Gruda dey push for first league start after him winner against City, but Georginio Rutter still likely go hold that role. Danny Welbeck continue for attack, while new young signings like Kostoulas, Tzimas and Watson go still wait for their chance.
Possible Lineups
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Araujo, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo; Evanilson
Brighton XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck
Prediction
Last four clashes between these two don always get goals – minimum of three each time. Both Bournemouth and Brighton dey play open football, so expect entertainment. Brighton get better record for recent meetings, but Iraola men dey in good form at home. This one fit end balanced.
We say: Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton
