Match Overview

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome AFC Bournemouth to the American Express Stadium in a Premier League matchup with regional edge and important mid-season points on the line. Bournemouth edged the reverse fixture 2-1 in September, adding extra motivation for the hosts. Brighton’s methodical build-up and organised press contrasts with Bournemouth’s more direct attacking routes, setting up a stylistic clash. Both sides enter with mixed recent form and will look to control key moments in a tight contest.

• Fixture: Brighton & Hove Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: American Express Stadium (Falmer, East Sussex)
• Date: 19-01-2026
• Kickoff: 20:00 GMT / 20:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion

• B. Verbruggen
• J. van Hecke
• L. Dunk
• F. Kadioglu
• M. De Cuyper
• Y. Ayari
• C. Baleba
• J. Hinshelwood
• J. Milner
• G. Rutter
• D. Welbeck

AFC Bournemouth

• D. Petrovic
• A. Truffert
• M. Senesi
• Álex Jiménez
• B. Diakité
• A. Scott
• M. Tavernier
• L. Cook
• A. Adli
• Evanilson
• E. Kroupi

Injury & Suspension Report

Brighton & Hove Albion

• D. Gómez – Injury
• Y. Minteh – Thigh Injury
• S. Tzimas – Knee Injury
• A. Webster – Knee Injury
• S. March – Knee Injury
• M. Wieffer – Toe Injury

AFC Bournemouth

• E. Ünal – Injury
• W. Dennis – Ankle Injury
• B. Doak – Hamstring Injury
• J. Kluivert – Knee Injury
• T. Adams – Knee Injury
• M. Akinmboni – Muscle Injury

Head-to-Head

Across 35 meetings, Brighton and Bournemouth are level with 13 wins each and nine draws. Recent clashes have tended to be moderately scoring, averaging just under three goals per game over the last seven encounters. The balance suggests another tight contest.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Brighton’s recent output points to steady, rather than explosive, progress: two wins from five and eight goals across their last eight matches. Their approach remains based on controlled possession and a coordinated press, but against similarly ranked opponents their chance creation has dipped and they have conceded more frequently. Bournemouth, meanwhile, bring a more direct threat. Though their last five away games yielded three defeats and two draws, they still found the net nine times, keeping them dangerous in transition.

Brighton Seagulls Harness Coastal Grit in Tactical Clash Against Bournemouth’s Cherries at the Amex Stadium

At the Amex, Brighton typically build through midfield and look to pin opponents with structured pressing. Danny Welbeck is a focal point, with eight goals this season including four at home, and his movement will test Bournemouth’s back line. Their 2-1 FA Cup win over Manchester United, including a decisive contribution from B. Gruda, underlined Brighton’s ability to manage tempo and pressure in tight matches. Support from G. Rutter and the midfield trio of C. Baleba, J. Hinshelwood and J. Milner should help sustain territory and supply the box.

Bournemouth’s confidence is buoyed by a 3-2 league win over Tottenham, with Evanilson on the scoresheet. E. Kroupi’s seven league goals add a second major outlet, and the midfield of A. Scott, L. Cook and M. Tavernier offers legs and ball progression to spring quick attacks. However, their away run has been inconsistent, with defensive lapses offsetting strong attacking phases. The back four will need discipline against Brighton’s patient patterns and set-piece threat via L. Dunk.

The head-to-head record is finely balanced, and that parity aligns with current form. Brighton’s structure at home should generate periods of control, but Bournemouth’s direct runners and recent scoring form suggest they will create chances of their own. If the hosts can keep transitions in check, they have enough to edge territory; if not, Bournemouth’s forwards can punish in moments.

Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 AFC Bournemouth.