Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth square off at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon both sitting on the same number of points in the Premier League table.
The home side currently hold a minor advantage having scored two more goals than their opponents, with the teams sitting in 15th and 16th place respectively.
Match preview
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While there is the perception that Brighton have only improved since the arrival of Graham Potter, the reality is that the Seagulls now only sit two points above the relegation zone heading into their final outing of 2019.
Performances have remained at a relatively solid level, and Potter will feel that his team were unfortunate not to gain at least a share of the spoils against Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day.
However, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in North London has left Brighton looking over their shoulder, aware that a negative result at the weekend could see them drop into the relegation zone.
On a positive note, Brighton have three home matches to come in quick succession, with Chelsea and Everton to follow the meeting with Bournemouth.
Nevertheless, after a four-game winless run, Potter will acknowledge that his side need to start picking up points against every level of opposition in order to avoid being sucked into a battle for Premier League survival.
Bournemouth find themselves in an almost identical scenario to their next opponents after registering six defeats from their last eight games in the top flight.
That said, gaining four points from meetings with Chelsea and Arsenal have put a different slant on things for Eddie Howe, who has been left increasingly frustrated with his team's efforts in the final third.
Bournemouth's only two goals from their last five outings have come from the boot of Dan Gosling, with Callum Wilson's streak without finding the back of the net now reaching 11 matches.
In theory, the fixture list gets easier for the Cherries over the next few weeks, although the pressure will only rise if they cannot gain anything from their visit down the south coast.
Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form: LWDDLL
Bournemouth Premier League form: LLLWLD
Team News
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Having made his return from injury against the Gunners, Harry Wilson is expected to start for Bournemouth.
Diego Rico also makes a welcome return after serving a one-match ban, while Howe could opt for a change in system in order to freshen up his team.
Junior Stanislas and Dominic Solanke are in contention to come into the starting lineup.
Like his counterpart, Potter will also make alterations, with Neal Maupay in line for a recall in place of Aaron Connolly.
Lewis Dunk missed out against Spurs due to illness, although the centre-back may be available to feature in the middle of the backline.
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Alzate, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Stephens, Propper; Mooy, Gross, Trossard; Maupay
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Stacey, Cook, Mepham, Rico; H.Wilson, Lerma, Billing, Stanislas; King; C.Wilson
We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Bournemouth
While both teams failed to win on Boxing Day, there is an argument that they will still take confidence from their respective performances. However, we feel that home advantage will prove key here, with Brighton potentially claiming victory courtesy of a late goal.
Darren Plant
