AFC Bournemouth vs Brighton Predictions

• Brighton won both meetings with Bournemouth last season 2-1.
• Three of the last four meetings have seen both teams score, while all four featured over 2.5 goals.
• Brajan Gruda has scored in Brighton’s last two matches.

Seagulls to pick off the Cherries

Brighton signed off for the international break with a stunning come-from-behind victory over Manchester City at the Amex Stadium, and although they are on their travels this week, their recent meetings with Bournemouth suggest there could be more to come from the Seagulls on Saturday.

Albion won both match-ups with Bournemouth 2-1 last term and we predict that they could edge this contest, too, although it may pay to keep the draw on side, so Brighton draw no bet looks the best bet for this Vitality Stadium contest.

Bournemouth can’t be completely ruled out as they also signed off for the international action with an impressive result, winning 1-0 at Tottenham in a dominant display.

That followed a home win against Wolves, while there was a lot to like about the way they troubled champions Liverpool on opening night, despite finishing as 4-2 losers in an entertaining affair.

And goals have often been a feature of this fixture, so expecting a similar outcome could be the way to go.

Don’t rule out a repeat scoreline

Both teams have scored in three of the last four meetings between these two, and a front-foot encounter could lead to a familiar conclusion to this contest on Saturday.

Over 2.5 goals have featured in each of the last four match-ups, and although both sides are in good nick, another 2-1 victory for Brighton, while having the draw as back-up, is our prediction.

The Seagulls won both meetings 2-1 last season, and they beat Manchester City by that scoreline in their final fixture before the international break.

On that occasion they had to battle back from 1-0 down against the former champions and they are unlikely to have things all their own way at Bournemouth.

In-form Gruda one to watch

The Cherries are a quality side, too, but Brighton look to have decent strength in depth and both goals in the win over Manchester City featured goals from two substitutes.

James Milner came off the bench to tuck away a penalty against the Citizens, while German forward Brajan Gruda also made his mark with the match-winning goal having replaced Danny Welbeck in the 61st minute.

Gruda has scored in each of Brighton’s last two matches, and we predict another goal for the 21-year-old even if he has to settle for a place on the bench once more.

The youngster may get his chance from the start following his recent run of goals, but he is a handful for tired legs and he could strike once more if introduced to the action later on again.