Brighton will take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday with not much more than pride and a position in the top half of the Premier League table left to play for.
Bournemouth leapfrogged Brighton to the 10th place in the league standings by picking up a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers this Wednesday. Brighton, meanwhile, were condemned to a 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City in midweek.
If Bournemouth do manage to keep their current place in the table, it will only be the second time ever that they finish in the top half of the Premier League. However, a daunting fixture list which includes games against Arsenal, Brentford and Chelsea will follow a tough test against Brighton on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola's days as the Cherries' manager might not have got off to a great start at the start of the season. But the Spanish coach has redeemed himself throughout the campaign and credit goes to him for unlocking the most effective version of Dominic Solanke we've ever seen this term.
At the start of the campaign, Brighton seemed to have convinced everyone that under Roberto De Zerbi's stewardship, they would snatch a European spot this season.
However, they have been a shadow of their former selves in the second half of the campaign and have picked up just three victories in 14 league matches this year.
Their latest outing ended in a 4-0 pummelling at the hands of Manchester City. The Seagulls could yet finish in the top half of the table and could even make a late attempt to climb to one of the European berths but it does seem unlikely at this point.
Bournemouth vs Brighton & Hove Albion Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- After winning four of their first six Premier League matches with Brighton, Bournemouth have lost their last three meetings with the Seagulls.
- Brighton emerged winners in this exact fixture 2-0 last season.
- Bournemouth have lost 67.5% of their Premier League matches played on Sunday, the highest loss rate of any side that has played more than 10 games on Sundays in the competition's history.
- Brighton have been defeated in three of their last five Premier League matches played on a Sunday.
- Bournemouth are undefeated in their last five Premier League matches played at home.
Bournemouth vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
This could be an exciting encounter between two sides that have not been able to perform well consistently. The Cherries have done a good job at the Vitality Stadium of late, going unbeaten in their last five games on home soil.
Brighton could still pose a threat but Bournemouth should come out on top here.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Bournemouth vs Brighton & Hove Albion Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Bournemouth to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes