Premier League action continues as Brighton & Hove Albion hosts Bournemouth at the American Express Stadium on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 12:15 PM (BDT) / 11:45 PM (INR). Brighton will look to capitalize on their home advantage as they push for a European spot, while Bournemouth will aim to bounce back and secure valuable points in their fight to stay in the Premier League.
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Brighton vs Bournemouth Form Guide
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton has been impressive under Roberto De Zerbi, creating chances through individual skill, particularly with Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro. They are also very strong in aerial duels and defending set pieces. However, their main weakness lies in protecting the lead, as they have been prone to giving up points in situations where they’ve been ahead. Additionally, individual errors and defending against skillful players remain concerns for Brighton.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, has been strong in creating scoring chances, with players like Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo playing a pivotal role. They have also shown strength in shooting from direct free kicks and protecting the lead. However, they struggle with maintaining possession of the ball and have had difficulties defending set pieces. Bournemouth’s attacking style involves aggressive play, with a focus on long balls and crosses, particularly down the left.
Brighton vs Bournemouth Key Battles
Kaoru Mitoma vs Justin Kluivert
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, with 7 goals, has been pivotal with his pace and dribbling ability, often cutting inside to score. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, with 11 goals, has been a consistent attacking threat, known for his direct approach and finishing skills. Both players will play an essential role in their team’s offensive efforts, with their ability to take on defenders and find the back of the net being crucial in this matchup.
Joao Pedro vs Antoine Semenyo
Brighton’s Joao Pedro, with 12 goal contributions, has been the key creative force, combining excellent vision with a clinical edge in front of goal. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, with 11 goal contributions, has shown great versatility, contributing both in scoring and setting up his teammates. Their ability to link up play and create chances will be instrumental in shaping the game’s tempo and final outcome.
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Brighton vs Bournemouth Tactical Outlook
Brighton will look to control possession and attack through the middle, utilizing their ability to create chances through individual skill and direct free kicks. Their strength in aerial duels and set-piece defending gives them an advantage in aerial battles and defending dead-ball situations. However, Brighton’s vulnerability lies in protecting leads, as they’ve shown weaknesses in this area. Additionally, their struggles against skillful players and avoiding individual errors could expose them to Bournemouth’s attacking threats.
Bournemouth will aim to control the game by taking shots from all areas and frequently attempting crosses, with a particular focus on attacking down the left. Their strength in creating scoring chances and shooting from long range could put pressure on Brighton’s defense, especially considering Brighton’s struggles in defending skillful players and protecting leads. Bournemouth’s ability to protect a lead will be vital if they manage to score first, but their weakness in possession could leave them vulnerable to Brighton’s counter-attacks.
Head-to-Head Encounters
The head-to-head record stands with Brighton having won 6 times, Bournemouth 9 times, and 4 draws. Brighton will be keen to close the gap, but Bournemouth’s strong record against them suggests it will be a closely contested match. The bookmakers have odds of 2.05 for Brighton to win, 4.00 for a draw, and 3.10 for Bournemouth to win, indicating a close encounter.
Injury News and Suspensions
Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion is dealing with a number of injury setbacks across their squad. Ferdi Kadioglu is expected to return by mid-March 2025 after a toe injury, while Jason Steele will also be sidelined until mid-March with a shoulder injury. The squad also has key defensive players unavailable, with Lewis Dunk recovering from a rib injury and set to return by early March. James Milner’s hamstring injury will keep him out until early May, and Igor’s thigh injury is expected to sideline him until early June 2025.
Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth is also managing a mix of injuries and suspensions. Illia Zabarnyi will serve a suspension and be unavailable for the upcoming matches. Adam Smith’s knock will keep him out until early March 2025, while Julian Araujo is also expected to return in early March after suffering a hamstring injury. Marcos Senesi’s muscle injury will keep him sidelined until mid-March, and the long-term absence of Enes Ünal due to a cruciate ligament injury will keep him out until early October 2025, further limiting their attacking options.
Brighton vs Bournemouth Possible Playing Squad
Brighton
Joao Pedro, Mitoma, Rutter, Minteh, Ayari, Baleba, Lamptey, Webster, van Hecke, Hinshelwood, Verbruggen (GK)
Bournemouth
Ouattara, Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier, Christie, Cook, Kerkez, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Hill, Arrizabalag (GK)
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth | Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 12:15 PM (BDT) / 11:45 PM (INR) | Premier League | American Express Stadium, Falmer, England |
Match Prediction
Brighton will likely dominate possession, but Bournemouth’s aggressive and counter-attacking style could make this a very competitive encounter. Both teams have the firepower to score, and the match could end in a high-scoring draw.
Score Prediction
A 2-2 draw seems a fair prediction, with both teams finding the back of the net in a thrilling encounter.