Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Bet 365
The Premier League weekend kicks off a day earlier than usual with Bournemouth entertaining Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday night. The Cherries will be looking for their first points of the season when they play under the lights at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth
It hasn’t been the start to the season manager Eddie Howe would have dreamed about for his Bournemouth side after losing their first four games. The Cherries are second-bottom in the league and they know they really need to start picking up points sooner rather than later. In truth, they were desperately unlucky to concede a 94th minute winner against Manchester City, and their performance was improved, but they really weren’t at the races when they succumbed 3-0 to Arsenal last time out. Howe could be feeling the pressure already, especially with Frank de Boer becoming the first manager of the season sacked at the start of the week, and he must be concerned at the lack of fire power going forward. Bournemouth have now only scored two goals in four Premier League games, and Jermain Defoe and Joshua King have looked ineffective up front. It will be a real concern for fans and they may well be wondering where their first points of the season will be coming from.
Team News
Callum Wilson remains out as he continues to build fitness after his knee injury. Ryan Fraser is also a doubt after an ankle injury picked up against West Brom.
Junior Stanislas has a chance of returning from a groin injury.
Brighton
It was a moment to savour for Brighton fans last week as they recorded their first ever Premier League win with a 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion. The result meant they have now picked up four points in the campaign after a draw away to Watford prior to that, and manager Chris Hughton will be hoping they can now build momentum going forward into the next batch of fixtures. The boss may look to exert the same attacking tactics utilised against the Baggies after starting the first three games with a more defensive, and albeit, less successful approach. However, they have proven they aren’t the best on the road with no wins in the last four competitive games, and will be all too aware that Bournemouth will be fighting for their lives in order to pick up their first victory. It will have been already established that the Seagulls will be focusing on games at the Amex as a blueprint for survival, but they will also realise they need to pick up a few points on the road too – and what better place to do that than at a pointless Bournemouth.
Team News
Steve Sidwell is still out with a back injury. Beram Kayla is also out.
Defender Gaetan Bong could be in line for his first appearance this season. Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown could also feature.
Key Factors to Consider
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last six league games against the Seagulls (W3 D3)
- Brighton have won just once in the last eight visits to Bournemouth in the league (D2 L5)
- Hughton’s men will be looking to win back-to-back victories in the top flight for the first time in 35 years
- Bournemouth have won just five of their 23 Premier League games in 2017 (D7 L11)
- Pascal Gross has been involved in three of Brighton’s goals this season (two goals, one assist)
Conclusion
Eddie Howe will be desperate to get his first points on the board on Friday but Bournemouth are going to struggle if they can’t score goals. Brighton on the other hand will be happy with a point away from home and could even snatch victory. We can’t see this being a thriller and we’re going to go for under 2.5 goals.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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