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Tuesday, 31 December 2013

The Cherries travel to the Amex with confidence

Since AFCB's last clash with Brighton & Hove Albion in November the Seagulls have been regularly picking up points home and away with their 3:1 win against Leicester City being their best result in early December at the Amex. Still they have had their disappointments too, like the home defeat to Barnsley (1:2) and away loss at Charlton (3:2), so Brighton have not managed to sneak into the top six yet and AFCB now stand in their way.


Eunan and Harry are probably favourites to start in AFCB's midfield.
Can Harry rule the midfield on New Year's Day?
The Cherries have had some great away results in recent weeks and the chance to play at the Amex stadium for the first time must be quite a thrill for our players. As a Cherries supporter I am really looking forward to the trip not only because it will be a pleasant change from the windy Withdean stadium, where you needed a pair of binoculars to see any of the action, but I genuinely give AFCB a good chance of getting a result at the Amex.

Brighton may have a slightly different team available to when we last met as Ulloa, Buckley, Lua Lua and David Lopez spent time on the pitch in their last game against Blackpool and they are supported by Ashley Barnes who scored the stunning equaliser last time around at Dean Court.

What might Eddie Howe have learnt from that game at home at the end of November? I would think that Rohan Ince is one player that he would hope we coped better with. The tall midfielder had a big influence on the game at dean Court, not just because of his size, but his quality of passing. Craig Conway also had a good game on the left wing, but he did not play for Brighton in their last game. Gordon Greer at the back also missed out against Blackpool, but could make a return against AFCB. Brighton gave a debut to Adam Chicksen at left back in that game and he was said to cope well with Blackpool's Tom Ince. Now he is likely to be facing Matt Ritchie, so let's hope his second game is not so easy.

Brighton will be without Will Buckley having sustained a hamstring injury at Blackpool, while Stephen Ward and Bruno Saltor are said to be being monitored.

Whatever team Oscar Garcia picks we know they will be a good passing side and Elliott Ward and Tommy Elphick will have to be on their metal to repel the strong strike force that Brighton will have out. If they can hold firm in that first half hour, I see know reason why the Cherries can't come away with something from the game and keep their impressive away form going.

Brighton & Hove Albion home form:
DWLWD

AFCB away form:
LDLWW

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