Brighton vs Bournemouth – Match Preview and Team News
The Premier League weekend ends on the South Coast as Brighton & Hove Albion host Bournemouth. The Seagulls look to extend their fine form in 2026. Meanwhile, the Cherries arrive determined to end a dismal run of results away from home.
Fabian Hürzeler’s men enter the fixture on a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions, most recently dismantling Manchester United 2–1 in the FA Cup following a high-profile draw at the Etihad. While Brighton have turned their home ground into a fortress—losing just twice in their last 18 league games there—Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth arrive fresh from a morale-boosting 3–2 win over Spurs.
However, the Cherries are currently grappling with an appalling away record, having conceded 29 goals in 10 away matches this season, a trend they must buck to secure their first league double over the Seagulls since 2019.
Brighton vs Bournemouth – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Monday, 19 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: American Express Stadium, Falmer
- Referee: Paul Tierney
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Last Meeting: Bournemouth 2–1 Brighton, 13 Sept 2025, Premier League
Team News
Brighton
Fabian Hürzeler received a double boost with the return of Carlos Baleba from AFCON and Yankuba Minteh from injury. Diego Gomez has also cleared a minor knock. However, the Seagulls remain without Adam Webster, Mats Wieffer, Solly March, and Stefanos Tzimas. Hürzeler also noted that a bout of sickness had affected some unnamed squad members during the week.
Bournemouth
The Cherries are hoping to welcome back Ryan Christie from a knee problem, with Iraola confirming the midfielder has returned to training. However, the visitors have lost Enes Ünal (adductor) for at least two weeks, while David Brooks is a major doubt after twisting his ankle in the FA Cup loss to Newcastle. They join a crowded treatment room that includes Tyler Adams, Justin Kluivert, and Ben Gannon-Doak.
Form
Brighton
The Seagulls sit 11th in the table, just four points adrift of the European places, and have developed a reputation as the league’s “comeback kings”. They have recovered more points from losing positions than any other team this season. Notably, veteran forward Danny Welbeck leads the team with eight league goals, scoring again in the recent FA Cup victory at Old Trafford.
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola’s side is currently 15th but remains the league’s most entertaining—or chaotic—outfit away from home, where their matches average a staggering 4.8 goals. Furthermore, teenage sensation Junior Kroupi has emerged as a key threat with seven league goals in his debut campaign. However, the departure of leading scorer Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in a club-record deal has left a significant void in their attack.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, De Cuyper; Ayari, Gross; Gruda, Gomez, Mitoma; Rutter
Bournemouth Predicted XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Cook; Jimenez, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
How to watch Brighton vs Bournemouth?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 19:00 GMT.
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