## Premier League Mid-Table Melee: Brighton Host Resurgent Bournemouth in Crucial South Coast Clash
The Amex Stadium is set to ignite on Monday night as Brighton & Hove Albion lock horns with AFC Bournemouth. In a vital Premier League showdown, the Seagulls are eyeing a significant leap up the table, aiming to cement their place in the top half against a Cherries side fresh off a morale-boosting victory. This encounter promises a compelling clash of ambitions on the scenic south coast.
### Brighton’s Lofty Ambitions and Amex Fortress
Brighton enters this fixture with a clear objective: to climb higher in the Premier League standings. Their home ground, the Amex, has proven to be a formidable fortress for the Seagulls. Boasting an impressive record of just two defeats in their last eighteen Premier League matches played at home (securing ten wins and six draws), Brighton clearly thrives on familiar turf. Notably, both of those rare home losses came at the hands of Aston Villa, highlighting their overall resilience against other opponents.
### Bournemouth’s Spirited Comeback
Across the pitch, Bournemouth arrives with renewed confidence. Their recent 3-2 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur snapped a frustrating eleven-game winless streak, injecting a much-needed shot of adrenaline into the squad. While the Cherries will undoubtedly miss the attacking prowess of Antoine Semenyo, who made a high-profile switch to Manchester City, their performance against Spurs demonstrated a collective spirit and determination that could pose a real challenge for Brighton.
The question remains: which side will seize the initiative and claim all three points in this intriguing mid-table tussle? Let’s delve into the confirmed line-ups.
### Brighton Team News
Manager Roberto De Zerbi welcomes a familiar face back to the bench as **Carlos Baleba** returns from AFCON duties, providing an additional option in midfield. **Pascal Gross**, a pivotal figure, once again takes his place in the starting XI after rejoining the squad from Borussia Dortmund. Spearheading the attack will be the experienced **Danny Welbeck**, tasked with finding the back of the net. A significant milestone awaits winger **Kaoru Mitoma**, who is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance – a testament to his consistent impact.
**Brighton Starting XI:** Bart Verbruggen, Ferdi Kadioglu, Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Joël Veltman, Pascal Groß, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, Brajan Gruda, Diego Gómez, Danny Welbeck
### Bournemouth Team News
For the visitors, midfielder **Ryan Christie** is deemed fit enough to take a spot on the substitutes’ bench, offering depth and experience. Exciting teenage forward **Junior Kroupi** earns a well-deserved start, having already notched an impressive seven Premier League goals this season – a remarkable return for the young talent.
**Bournemouth Starting XI:** Djordje Petrovic, Adrien Truffert, Marcos Senesi, James Hill, Álex Jiménez, Alex Scott, Lewis Cook, Junior Kroupi, Marcus Tavernier, Amine Adli, Evanilson