Bournemouth crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea on Wednesday night and the Cherries will be desperate to turn their fortunes around when they play host to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s men have lost six out of their last seven games in the Premier League and their recent slump in form has been them slip down to 11th in the standings.
Brighton suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea last week and the Seagulls will be looking get something out of this fixture.
Adam Smith, Dan Gosling and Lewis Cook have all been ruled out with knee injuries while Simon Francis has a minor groin injury and is doubtful to play a part on Saturday.
The veteran hasn’t been in great form in recent weeks but he will be expected to take his position between the sticks on Saturday.
The Englishman has been a solid presence at the heart of the defence alongside Ake and he should be amongst the starters for this one as well.
The Dutchman has been one of the standout performers of the season for the Cherries at the back and Howe should hand him another start.
The veteran played quite well on the left of a back three in the Carabao Cup.
Bournemouth’s assist-king should be back in the eleven after being rested for the Carabao Cup game.
The former Liverpool man hasn’t made much of an impact this season and the injury crisis at the back might open the door for him to get a rare start.
He has always been an energetic presence in the midfield for the Cherries this season and he will be expected to step up his game after the loss in the Carabao Cup.
The Colombian has been one of the key figures for Bournemouth in the central midfield and he will be fresh to start after being rested for the Carabao Cup.
He has impressed with his creativity and work-rate in the final third and should be in contention for one of the breakout stars of the season if he continues his good run.
Bournemouth will rely on their talismanic striker to fire on all cylinders and propel them to a victory on Saturday.
The Norwegian international has been one of the indispensable components of Bournemouth’s attack and a lot will depend on him.