Prediction: Bournemouth vs Brighton

Verdict: Bournemouth wins

 Best odds: 2.23

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Bournemouth hope to defeat Brighton in an attempt to compete for a 6th place finish. The game will take place at Vitality Stadium in front of 11, 000 fans, where the hosts have so far played at a high level this season. A further loss would drop Roberto de Zerbi’s club to the second part of the standings, with Brighton losing ground in the last period.

Bournemouth

With four matches remaining, the host team’s strong play this season has put Andoni Iraola’s side in a safe zone, perhaps allaying fears of relegation. Furthermore, Bournemouth is looking up rather than down, as they aim to end the season in sixth position.

The team’s performance from March to April, when the Cherries were invincible in the championship drove them to safety. However, Bournemouth had an easier schedule because they played clubs from the bottom half of the standings, such as Sheffield United, Everton, Crystal Palace, and Luton.

Still, the Cherries performed admirably at Vitality Stadium, losing only five times in 17 games played, helped along by the boisterous supporters. Furthermore, elite teams like Manchester United, Newcastle, and Chelsea have struggled to win at the coast, further enhancing Bournemouth’s ability to compete against top teams.

Bournemouth’s favourite status against Brighton was enhanced by their last away victory against Wolverhampton. Despite playing with a man down towards the end of the match, Andoni Iraola’s squad had a strong defensive effort and clinical accuracy up front resulting in a 1-0 win for the Cherries.

Following Brighton’s visit, Bournemouth will travel to North London to play leaders Arsenal. The Cherries will be looking for retribution after losing their previous four games against the Gooners. In a match that appears to be more significant for the Blues, Bournemouth will try to cap off their outstanding season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the English capital.

Team News

Ryan Fredericks has been out since March 2023 with a calf injury. His recovery is not according to the plan with the right-back unable to return by the end of this term. Also, Max Aarons has ended his playing time for the remainder of the season due to his hamstring injury. Lloyd Kelly has sustained a terrible hip injury that took him out of the squad. The young centre-back is expected to return to action next season.

Brighton

Brighton failed to replicate the historic performances had last season that culminated with Roberto De Zerbi’s side finishing 6th in the Premier League. The summer exodus which included the departure of MVPs Alexis McAllister and Moises Caicedo, coupled with repeated injuries of key players following a hellish schedule, dropped Brighton in the second half of the table.

Still, Brighton can get a lot of credit for their 1st European campaign that ended in the last 16 to the detriment of AS Roma following a doubleheader dominated by the Italians (4-1 final score). However, Brighton’s squad is worn out following the difficult battles carried out on many fronts resulting in more key figures added to the recovery room, leading the Seagulls to a further drop in the Premier League standings.

The visitors had a nightmarish April with performances below expectations. Brighton failed to win a single match, culminating with a dreadful display at American Express Stadium where current champions Manchester City stole the show with an emphatic 4-0 win. The season is over for the visitors who are out of all competitions and seek redemption in the Premier League where they will aim to finish on a high.

However, facing an uphill battle in the last rounds against top teams like Aston Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United would rather leave more bitter taste to Brighton fans at the end of this stage.

Team News

Roberto De Zerbi will be without key players who will miss the seaside trip to Bournemouth. Solly March has already missed 34 games with a terrible knee injury and is not expected to play at this final stages. Also, Kaoru Mitoma has a back injury, ruling him out for Brighton’s last Premier League games.

Key factors to consider

• Bournemouth’s home displays propelled the team into the top half of the Premier League with chances of reaching the top 6th by the end of this term
• The hosts pulled off an impressive win at Wolves, despite having a man sent off (0-1 final score)
•  Brighton failed to rise to the expectations this season due to facing difficult battles domestically and in Europe
• The visitors’ last win came back in mid-March when Roberto De Zerbi’s side defeated AS Roma at American Express Stadium

Conclusion

Bournemouth can capitalise on the momentum built from the recent excellent performances and edge a free-falling Brighton. The hosts are expected to get the job done at Vitality Stadium and leave the pitch with all points in their bag.

Verdict: Bournemouth wins

 Best odds: 2.23

Bookmaker: ZetBet