PREM: Bournemouth v Brighton preview

Bournemouth v Brighton preview

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has dismissed suggestions it is a good time to face out-of-form Bournemouth.

Eddie Howe's side have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches and have a lengthy injury list.

The Cherries, whose absentees include captain Simon Francis and midfielders Lewis Cook and Dan Gosling, also suffered defeat in their Carabao Cup quarter-final at Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

Hughton was at Stamford Bridge for that tie and, ahead of Saturday's trip to the Vitality Stadium, insists Bournemouth remain a dangerous opponent.

"They certainly didn't look like they were struggling then. I thought they were excellent," said Hughton at this pre-match press conference.

"Even right up until the end it looked like the game was going to penalties. Whichever players come in they know the roles very well.

"He (Howe) has got them playing in the way he wants to, very high-tempo, a lot of pace in the team.

"They have a way of playing and it always smacks me in the face that they are a team where everybody knows their roles and jobs.

"We expect a very difficult game, particularly at Bournemouth."

Bournemouth defender Simon Francis will continue to be assessed for a groin injury after missing the last two games, including the midweek Carabao Cup exit at Chelsea.

Lewis Cook, Dan Gosling and Adam Smith (all knee) remain out.

The Seagulls will once again be without injured wingers Jose Izquierdo (knee) and Alireza Jahanbakhsh (hamstring).