Albion preview: Bournemouth v Brighton

Albion look to make it four wins on the bounce tomorrow as they travel to Bournemouth to tackle Eddie Howe’s men.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC newsBrighton & Hove Albion FC news
Brighton & Hove Albion FC news

The Seagulls come into Saturday’s early kick off unbeaten in five games and will be looking to exploit the Cherries who are coincidently without a win in five.

A victory could lift Albion into the play-off places in the Championship table while the three points would go a long way to secure Bournemouth’s second division status.

Team News

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Bruno received his fifth yellow card of the campaign in last weekend’s victory away at Wigan and so will serve a one-match ban, with Inigo Calderon likely to deputise at right-back.

Liam Bridcutt and Andrea Orlandi are available to Oscar Garcia ahead of the trip and Leroy Lita is still looking for his first start in an Albion shirt, but Will Buckley (hamstring), Kazenga LuaLua (knee) and Leonardo Ulloa (foot) are still sidelined.

Elsewhere Craig Mackail-Smith has returned to light training and Will Hoskins remains unavailable because of a knee injury.

Keith Andrews has recovered from his calf problem and is available for selection.

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Bournemouth have been boosted by the arrival of Arsenal youngster Nico Yennaris on loan this week and former Albion pair Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook could both face their former employers, although the latter is struggling with a foot injury.

Form

Albion have drawn two and won three of their last five games and have kept a clean sheet in four of their last six away ties.

Bournemouth fell to a narrow 1-0 loss at home to Derby last weekend which was their fifth consecutive game without a victory, conceding seven along the way.

Players to watch

Craig Conway (Albion)

The Scotland international has looked lively in recent weeks and only has a few games left of his loan deal, something which should spur him on at Dean Court if he wants to stay on. The 28-year-old has made 14 key passes this season and had 10 shots in his nine appearances.

Lewis Grabban (Bournemouth)

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The forward has scored seven goals in his 12 outings this season and also claimed an assist.

Stat

Bournemouth have conceded 31 goals in the Championship this season, the joint worst in the entire division.