Football News: Premier League Match Preview Friday 15th September 2017

Image from: accawhacker.com

Friday 15th September 2017

Bournemouth v Brighton & Hove Albion 8pm kick off

Fraser (ankle injury) late fitness test
Federici (knee injury) out
Stanislas (groin injury) out
Wilson (ACL injury) out
Rhoys Wiggins (knee injury) out

This has been a disaster of a season so far for the Cherries. Four games in and they have yet to get a point on the board and have scored only one goals while conceding eight. Last season people were wondering if the bubble had burst for Eddie Howe and his players, then he turned it around and lifted them up the table. This season he has it all to do again, surprisingly as it looked like they had bought well in the summer. With a run of tougher games to follow this one, they really have to get off the mark now before it becomes too late.
Most important player: Joshua King. Bournemouth desperately need goals and King's pace is a key weapon. If he can return to the form of last season, then the Cherries have a chance.

Saltor (back injury) slight doubt
Sidwell (back injury) out
Bong (muscle strain) slight doubt
Brown (hamstring injury) doubt
Kayal (broken leg) out
Baldock (calf injury) out

After a slow start, losing their first two, the Seagulls got off the mark in their 3rd match with Watford and then picked up their first win against West Bromwich Albion last time out. One worry for Chris Hughton is that they have yet to score a goal away from home, but a struggling Bournemouth side will give them hope of changing that. Hughton might need to let his players off the leash a bit more if they are to pick up some away goals over the course of the season.
Most important player: Anthony Knockaert. The winger has been waiting a while for a proper crack at the Premier League after starring at Championship level in recent years. Leicester City sold him after they won promotion, so he has incentive and a lot to prove.

Defining Battle: both teams like to attack down the flanks, both teams have pace and a touch of flare out wide. They also play with attacking fullbacks who leave space in behind, which can be exploited. It is likely that whichever team exploits that space better will win the game.

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 1-1
Ed003 - 0-0
Ed004 - 3-1 - Defoe to score
Ed007 - 0-0
Ed018 - 0-0
Ed025 - 2-0
Ed033 - 0-1

Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed018 - 8 points
2. Ed025 - 7 points
3= Ed002 - 6 points
3= Ed003 - 6 points
5. Ed033 - 4 points
6. Ed007 - 3 points
7. Ed004 - 1 point

*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.

Written by Tris Burke September 15 2017 04:36:13