AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth will be looking to build on their solid September form when they face Premier League counterparts Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
Dominic Solanke and David Brooks were on target as the Cherries kicked off the month with a 2-2 draw at Brentford before they played out a 0-0 stalemate with Chelsea after the international break.
Brighton have made a flying start to the season with 12 points from a possible 15 – a club best return from their first five games in the Premier League – propelling them to fifth place.
The Seagulls host the Cherries fresh from meeting AEK Athens in the Europa League on Thursday, the Sussex club’s first game in a European competition since they were formed in 1901.
Although Joao Pedro netted two penalties to twice put the hosts back on level terms, the Greek champions triumphed 3-2 thanks to Ezequiel Ponce’s late winner.
In the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi’s team have beaten Luton (4-1), Wolves (4-1), Newcastle (3-1) and Manchester United (3-1) as well as losing 3-1 against West Ham.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash, afcb.co.uk caught up with Johnny Cantor who covers the fortunes of the Seagulls for BBC Sport Sussex and also used to report on the Cherries.
BRIGHTON PROFILE
Founded: 1901
Ground: The Amex Stadium
Nicknames: The Seagulls, Albion
Record appearances: Ernie Wilson – 566 games (1922-1936)
Record goalscorer: Tommy Cook – 123 goals in 209 games
Head coach: Roberto De Zerbi (appointed September 2022)
Club captain: Lewis Dunk
League position: Fifth
Leading goalscorer: Evan Ferguson (four in Premier League)
Last game: Brighton 2 AEK Athens 3 (Europa League)
afcb.co.uk: How has the season started for the Seagulls in the Premier League?
JC: The Albion have maintained their form from the end of the last season with an excellent 12 points from a possible 15, equalling their best start over that period during their time in the Premier League.
Some felt the Seagulls had a kind start in terms of fixtures but they’ve already beaten two teams that finished above them last season – Newcastle and Manchester United.
afcb.co.uk: Give us a word on Brighton’s first European night in history, the occasion rather than the result?
JC: It was a wonderful occasion despite the result and the weather but another opportunity for fans to remind themselves how far the club has come in the last 25 years.
It was a special atmosphere and a new experience for supporters and players alike.
afcb.co.uk: Sum up Roberto De Zerbi’s first year in charge?
JC: Impressive.
Not only did he lead them to a highest-ever Premier League finish – sixth – and an FA Cup semi-final, he has introduced an exciting high risk, high reward style of play that has drawn admirers across the country.
Even chairman and owner Tony Bloom admitted he has gone beyond expectation but it should be remembered Graham Potter established the foundations, something the Italian regularly comments on.
afcb.co.uk: Why have Brighton used two goalkeepers in five Premier League games and who do you think will start against the Cherries?
JC: Well, De Zerbi believes they both have strong attributes, especially with the ball at their feet.
That was the reason Jason Steele replaced the now departed Robert Sanchez.
Now though they have invested in a younger prospect and fought off competition for Bart Verbrugge (pictured above) who is seen as a future Dutch number one. I would go for Verbrugge (tosses coin).
afcb.co.uk: Who is their one to watch?
JC: Ansu Fati (pictured above).
Everyone has seen the impact Kaoru Mitoma (pictured below) and Evan Ferguson have made but Fati has come in on loan from Barcelona and is looking to get his career back on track.
He’s a prodigious young talent who burst on to the European scene.
He may drop to the bench after the full game against AEK Athens but is a different option and there is only more to come if he avoids any more injury setbacks.
afcb.co.uk: Are any key players either injured or suspended against the Cherries?
JC: There are no suspensions but captain Lewis Dunk (muscle, pictured below) and striker Evan Ferguson (temperature) were missing on Thursday.
Julio Enciso remains out long-term (knee) as does Jakub Moder (knee).
afcb.co.uk: How do you see the game panning out and what’s your score prediction?
JC: I watched Bournemouth against Chelsea on Sunday and think they played really well in parts of the game.
The manager is clearly starting to get the squad working in his style. I think there will be goals.
Brighton haven’t kept a clean sheet yet this season and a Thursday night bow in Europe could slow them down but I think they have strength in depth so think they should come through at home with a 2-1 win.
You can follow Johnny on Twitter – @johnnycantor_
Officials: John Brooks (referee), Simon Bennett (assistant), Akil Howson (assistant), Peter Bankes (fourth official), Michael Oliver (VAR).
