Get ready for an exciting South Coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth! This matchup features two teams playing some attractive football in the early season.
Brighton have started strong, using their slick passing and movement to beat powerhouses Manchester United and Leicester City. Spanish midfielder Mac Allister pulls the strings for them in midfield.
Bournemouth may still be finding their way after promotion, but they've battled hard against tough opponents like Chelsea. Striker Solanke is a real handful up front with his strength and finishing ability.
This should be an entertaining game between two clubs who take risks going forward. Both managers will have their lads fired up to grab local bragging rights.
With fans filling up the Amex Stadium, the atmosphere will be jumping. Can the high-flying Seagulls keep up their hot start? Or will the battling Cherries pull off an upset?
The match will take place on Sunday, 24th September, 2023, at Falmer Stadium, in Falmer, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex.
Right from kickoff, Brighton were sharp and hungry to beat their struggling opponents. The Seagulls zipped the ball around cleanly and stretched United's defense.
Former United man Welbeck gave Brighton an early lead thanks to smart, selfless play from his teammates. Brighton's quality passing and movement carved United open.
With an early advantage, the visitors looked confident they could control this match.
Brighton's central midfielders Caicedo and Gross ran the show, bossing possession and keeping the ball moving. They easily played through United's pressure.
The Seagulls passed and switched play with ease. United's midfielders had no answers and were clearly second-best on the day.
On the few occasions United did threaten, Brighton's defense handled it. And up front, Brighton took their chances clinically.
Welbeck, Gross, and Joao Pedro were merciless, finishing off slick Brighton moves. You can't give this Brighton side openings in the box or they will punish you.
Even up 3-0, Brighton didn't take their foot off the gas. They kept the intensity up and continued peppering United's goal.
The Seagulls showed no sympathy against an opponent low on confidence. It was a ruthless performance from a talented Brighton side clicking on all cylinders.
This emphatic win on the road against storied United will give Brighton a major confidence boost going forward.
Manager De Zerbi deserves huge credit for getting his stylish side to play with such swagger and confidence. Since his arrival last year, only the mighty Liverpool and Man City have scored more league goals than rampant Brighton.
The Italian has cultivated an attack-at-all costs mindset, with Brighton hunting goals like ravenous seagulls chasing stray chips. Despite losing key players year after year, their upward trajectory continues unchecked.
After back-to-back wins, Brighton now sits proudly atop the Premier League summit. With scintillating performances like this, who knows how long they can remain the top birds in the land?
Knowing they were big underdogs, Bournemouth were highly organized and tough to break down. They defended with all 11 players behind the ball.
The Cherries allowed Chelsea to have harmless possession around midfield. But they closed down space near the box, forcing rushed decisions and turnovers.
Bournemouth's hard-working midfield and deep defensive line cut off forward passing options. Chelsea grew frustrated.
On one of their rare first-half breaks, Bournemouth sprang forward and nearly took the lead.
Ouattara got in behind Chelsea's defense to meet a driven cross, but keeper Sanchez made an excellent reaction save with his foot to deny the chance. A let-off for Chelsea.
Bournemouth always carried a threat on the counter with their pace up front. This was a reminder Chelsea had to stay alert at the back while attacking.
Even as Chelsea poured numbers forward late chasing a winner, Bournemouth remained resilient. Their center backs threw themselves in front of shots and crosses.
The Cherries defenders expertly shielded their penalty area and forced Chelsea wide. Despite relentless pressure, clear chances were scarce.
In the end, Bournemouth held on for an unlikely but well-earned point thanks to fierce determination at the back. This strong rearguard display should boost their survival hopes.
Bournemouth are back in the big time after claiming the Championship title last season under Scott Parker. But after a few years of bouncing between divisions, the Cherries will be desperate to solidify their Premier League status.
It's been a decent summer of recruitment at the Vitality. Experienced keeper Neto came in from Barcelona to replace Newcastle-bound Nick Pope. While center-back Marcos Senesi arrived from Feyenoord to bolster the defense.
Further forward, Marcus Tavernier joined from Middlesbrough to add legs in midfield. And finishing was strengthened with the permanent signing of Dutch winger Justin Kluivert from Roma.
Brighton: Bart Verbruggen, Pervis Estupiñán, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud, Pascal Groß, Kaoru Mitoma, Adam Lallana, Simon Adingra, Danny Welbeck
Bournemouth Predicted Lineup: Neto, Milos Kerkez, Marcos Senesi, Lloyd Kelly, Max Aarons, Philip Billing, Joe Rothwell, Justin Kluivert, Ryan Christie, David Brooks, Dominic Solanke
Brighton's ball-playing defender Webster tries to handle Bournemouth striker Solanke's physicality and direct runs.
Bournemouth manager Iraola is from Spain, and he's also trying to build an attack-minded side. An intriguing tactical battle with both him and opponent Potter plotting lots of ways to break each other down.