Bournemouth v Brighton: Likely line-ups for FA Cup tie

It's an all-Premier League affair for Brighton & Hove Albion as they begin their FA Cup campaign with a trip to Bournemouth in the third round of the competition tomorrow, writes Bradley Stratton.
Action from the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Brighton last month. Picture by PW Sporting PhotographyAction from the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Brighton last month. Picture by PW Sporting Photography
Action from the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Brighton last month. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Albion go into their lunchtime cup clash with the Cherries having had to settle for a point in their first game of the New Year at West Ham on Wednesday evening.

Two goals in the space of a few minutes from Dale Stephens and Shane Duffy saw the visitors go 2-0 up early in the second half at the London Stadium. However they only held that advantage for ten minutes, as strikes from Marko Arnautovic in the 66th and 68th minutes saw the Hammers draw level in the contest.

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Chris Hughton admitted their was frustration in having letting the opportunity of a rare away victory slip through their grasp, but a point on the road still leaves them in a great position heading into the second half of the Premier League campaign.

The Seagulls continue their start to 2019 by taking a break from top flight competition this weekend, as all 44 sides from the top two divisions enter the FA Cup.

Whilst Premier League survival was and still is the priority for Brighton, they went on one of their longest runs in the competition last season since their only appearance in the final in 1983.

Wins over arch rivals Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Coventry set up a quarter-final clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite a valiant performance, Albion were beaten 2-0 by the eventual finalists.

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This year’s opening game for the Seagulls sees them head to Dorset for the second time in the space of a month, having already faced Bournemouth in the top flight.

On that occasion it was the Cherries who came out on top, with a brace for David Brooks sealing a 2-0 defeat for Albion, who ended the game with ten men after Lewis Dunk was sent off for two bookable offences at the Vitality Stadium.

BOURNEMOUTH

Cherries boss Eddie Howe has confirmed he will makes changes to his team for the FA Cup tie.

Artur Boruc could replace number one Asmir Begovic in goal for the Cherries, while Lys Mousset, Jordon Ibe, Diego Rico and Tyrone Mings will all be eyeing starts.

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Bournemouth are also looking to bring in Liverpool full-back Nathaniel Clyne on loan but he might not sign in time for tomorrow's match.

Jermain Defoe is unlikely to be involved as the striker is in talks about a loan move to Rangers.

Likely line-up: Boruc; Stanislas, S.Cook, Mings, Rico; Ibe, Gosling, Surman, Stanislas; Wilson, Mousset. Subs (from): Begovic, Daniels, Ake, Fraser, Lerma, Pugh, Brooks, King, Travers, Simpson.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

After a hectic festive period, Albion boss Chris Hughton is likely to make several changes.

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Hughton has already confirmed Jason Steele will start in goal, while Bruno, Gaetan Bong and Leon Balogun will all be hoping for game time.

Dan Burn could also make his debut. The defender joined from Wigan in the summer but spent the first half of the season back on loan with the Latics.

Beram Kayal and Yves Bissouma will likely start in central midfield, while under-23 forward Viktor Gyokeres has also been named in the squad.

Likely line-up: Steele; Bruno, Burn, Balogun, Bong; Knockaert, Kayal, Gross, Bissouma, Gyokeres; Andone. Subs (from): Button, Montoya, Bernardo, Dunk, Duffy, Stephens, Propper, Locadia, Murray, Suttner.

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