Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
In Matchweek 2, a South Coast derby on the English Channel awaits. Two ambitious sides meet with an eye on the UEFA Champions League places.
AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth are adapting to life without a settled centre-back pairing and making it work: the squad sit seventh after three matches. Andoni Iraola has found a way to mask the defensive issues by leaning into front-foot football. Few expected such intent from Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur to begin with (1:0), yet for long spells Tottenham Hotspur barely registered. Francisco de Lima Barbosa scored inside five minutes, and he and his team-mates kept testing Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian goalkeeper produced an excellent save from Antoine Semenyo. It all translated into a clear margin: 1.59-0.19 in xG in AFC Bournemouth’s favour.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton were equally impressive — the team beat Manchester City (2:1). Doing it at home is a touch easier, yet the off-field resources are barely comparable. Brighton played on level terms (2.30-1.82 in xG) with Manchester City, who started Rodrigo Hernández. However, Manchester City’s pressure yielded only an Erling Haaland goal. It was hard not to find a second for Brighton. The visitors set a very high defensive line with wide spacing in an attempt to dictate, and the gaps were there to be exploited. With fewer than 10 minutes left to see out the lead, the hosts saw it through.
AFC Bournemouth vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
This looks a genuine three-way. The opponents were evenly matched last season as well, although Brighton won both meetings (2:1). The attacking units still outstrip the defensive structures. Total Over 2.5 Goals is the call.
