Match Preview – Bournemouth v Brighton (AGAIN)
Bournemouth – the team
As if the Carabao Cup wasn’t enough of a pain in the arse as it is, it has thrown up a second trip to Bournemouth in the space of four days. On Friday night we got to discover that when our defence parts like the Red Sea, players the calibre of Jordon Ibe and Jermaine Defoe will take full advantage. This time, we get to see which one of our stiffs are the better side. Given that Ibe was only on the bench for the Cherries four days ago, they’ve had three years of building a squad with enough depth to cope in the Premier League and we’ve got an Under 21 squad that has taken some utter batterings in recent times, never mind hasn’t produced a first team player in God knows how many years, it is fair to say that Bournemouth should be overwhelming favourites for this.
Bournemouth – the place
Doubt it will have changed that much from Tuesday night to be honest. The only positive of the fact this game is about as interesting as creosoting a fence being that at least it won’t take hours to get our of the Vitality Stadium car park after, despite the fact we have “sold out” the away end. That of course has nothing to do with 3,000 people wanting to boost their loyalty points totals.
Bournemouth – the people
We’re still pretty shocked by the revelation from Friday’s match preview that Seth Rogen was a celebrity Bournemouth fan. Among famous people to actually herald from the town, Wendy Richard who gained fame as Pauline Fowler in EastEnders comes from Bournemouth, as does one of our favourite Premier League referees, Keith Stroud.
A good WeAreBrighton.com memory of Bournemouth away
Seeing as we’ve only won there once in God knows how many years, 2007 when Bas Savage and Dean Cox netted in a 2-0 win is the only real option, isn’t it.
A bad WeAreBrighton.com memory of Bournemouth away
There’s been some pretty shocking experiences down the years, but the stiffs losing four days after the first team did at the Vitality Stadium would take some beating if it comes to fruition.
Played for both
Tommy Elphick, Steve Cook and Wes Fogden were three youth team products who all moved onto Bournemouth once they were deemed surplus to requirements at the Albion. Only Cook remains there and he could face us in this game seeing as he has recently lost his place in the first team.
Dangermen
Ibe might be afforded a chance from the start and therefore another chance to torment us. Bournemouth’s back up goalkeeper this season is Artur Boruc and he is as mad as they come which should lead to some entertainment one way or another.
Betting
Presumably, Glenn Murray will be given a start seeing as he has had to settle for a spot on the bench in the last two games. He is a best priced 21/11 to score against his former club. There is also some appeal in Jamie Murphy at 51/10.
WeAreBrighton.com Prediction
A 2-1 defeat and zero shits given.
