Brighton Manager Fabian Hurzeler Prioritises Upcoming Match Over European Football Aspirations

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Brighton is gearing up to host Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday. Despite recent victories boosting their chances for European football next season, Fabian Hurzeler emphasises that their focus remains solely on the upcoming match. Brighton's recent wins over Chelsea and Southampton have lifted them to ninth in the Premier League, just three points shy of the top seven.

Hurzeler stresses the importance of concentrating on each game rather than league standings. "I never look that much at the table. We can only influence our games and how we play," he stated. The Seagulls aim to maintain their momentum and improve further as they face Bournemouth, a team known for its intense playing style.

Bournemouth currently sits sixth in the league, three points ahead of Brighton. However, they are coming off a 1-0 loss to Wolves. Injuries have plagued them recently, with forward Evanilson sidelined since January 4. Although he was an unused substitute against Wolves, Andoni Iraola remains hopeful about his participation against Brighton.

Kaoru Mitoma has been instrumental for Brighton against Bournemouth, contributing directly to five goals in four league meetings with them. He has also scored in his last three matches across all competitions. For Bournemouth, Justin Kluivert has been prolific away from home, netting nine goals in his last seven away appearances this season.

Brighton has a strong home record against Bournemouth, winning their last three league encounters at the Amex Stadium. They have also won four out of five Premier League matches against Bournemouth since 2022. In contrast, during Bournemouth's earlier stint in the top flight from 2015-16 to 2019-20, Brighton managed only one win against them.

Bournemouth's Away Form

Bournemouth boasts an impressive away record this season, remaining unbeaten in their last seven Premier League away games with five wins and two draws. They have scored at least twice in each of their last eight away matches, a feat unmatched since Liverpool's run between May and December 2021.

The Cherries also hold an unbeaten streak in midweek Premier League fixtures over their last ten matches (D3 L7). However, their last midweek defeat came at the hands of Brighton in April 2023 when they lost 0-2.

The Opta win probability suggests a competitive match ahead: Brighton has a 40.5% chance of winning, while Bournemouth stands at 32.8%, with a draw possibility of 26.6%. Both teams will be eager to secure valuable points as they continue their campaigns.