Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Brighton & Hove Albion need to lift themselves after the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City at Wembley in the semi-final of the FA Cup. Chris Hughton’s Seagulls are only five points above the relegation zone, and will want to beat Bournemouth and secure an important three points at the Amex Stadium this weekend.
For Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, the aim mist be to secure a win and go above the totemic 40-point mark in the Premier League. The Cherries are not in any real danger of relegation, but they have been inconsistent all season and have taken some right hammerings in some games. The supporters will want to see a strong end to the season, and a win over their south coast near neighbours on Saturday would cheer everyone at the club after a poor recent run of form.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Bournemouth Prediction: Seagulls 1-0 Cherries
Our prediction for this game is that Brighton will win the game narrowly, with 1-0 looking a likely scoreline to us. Brighton really need to win this game, while Bournemouth can afford to take things a little easy. The Cherries’ problem all season has been a certain lack of resolve, and they are not a team that would you trust to get a result when the pressure is high. The pressure is all on Brighton this weekend, and they are likely to be well-motivated. That, plus home advantage, will take them to victory against an often flaky Bournemouth team.
Our recommended tip: Brighton, Murray scores
Our featured tip for this game comes from William Hill, who are offering odds of 5/2 on Glenn Murray to score and Brighton to win. We think that this is a good bet as Murray is due a goal, having been on a long recent run of home games without finding the net. Brighton need their key striker to step up this weekend if they want to insure themselves against relegation, and Murray is the kind of player who can be relied upon to perform at key moments. The odds also offer decent value, and match our prediction of a 1-0 Seagulls win.
Previous matches
Brighton have lost just one of their last 14 home matches to Bournemouth in all competitions, a record which is sure to give the Seagulls confidence. The solitary defeat in that run came in April 2015, when the Cherries won a Championship game 2-0.
The sides have met three times in the Premier League, with Bournemouth winning two of those games and there having been on draw. Both of Bournemouth’s win have come at home. Earlier this season, Bournemouth won 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League. In last season’s game at Brighton, matters ended level at 2-2.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Glenn Murray & Josh King
Veteran Brighton striker Glenn Murray is due a goal this weekend. He has not scored in his last eight home games, his longest run of home games without a goal since he was a Crystal Palace player in the 2011/12 season. Murray is Albion’s top scorer this season, having netted 11 times in 30 Premier League games in 2018/19. Of his 43 attempts on goal, 18 have been on target and he has missed just five big chances.
Bournemouth striker Josh King has been in superb form in recent weeks, and has attracted the attention of other clubs. The Norwegian forward has notched 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, and is his club’s top league scorer in 2018/19. He has also provided three assists to his team-mates, and created nine big chances. Significantly, five of his goals have come from penalties, so the Seagulls must be careful not to concede any spot kicks.
