Bournemouth play host to Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday evening sitting three points adrift of safety after a poor run of form in the Premier League.
Despite a three-game winless streak of their own, Brighton go into the meeting at the Vitality Stadium with a three-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Match preview
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While Eddie Howe took the positives from the performance produced against Norwich City at the weekend, the 1-0 defeat has left Bournemouth in something of a crisis in 19th position.
The Cherries have now lost 10 of their last dozen outings in the Premier League, while they have also failed to score in seven of their nine most recent matches.
Despite the quality remaining in the Bournemouth ranks, too many players are low on confidence, and it is undermining any promising aspects of their play.
Injuries have also played a significant part, although they would be highlighted less if Dominic Solanke and Callum Wilson had ended their goalless streaks in the top flight in recent weeks.
With his future at the club on the line, Howe will hope that they can find a solution on Tuesday night against opponents who are also in need of a return to form.
Since their 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture on December 28, Brighton have failed to win in four matches in all competitions, which includes a defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup.
Given their three-point advantage over the bottom three, Graham Potter will not be too alarmed at this stage, but that would change if his team succumb on the south coast on Tuesday night.
While there would have been frustration after only drawing with Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, Potter would have enjoyed seeing Leandro Trossard net his first goal since November 2.
Bournemouth Premier League form: LDLLLL
Bournemouth form (all competitions): DLLWLL
Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form: LLWDLD
Brighton & Hove Albion form (all competitions): LWDLLD
Team News
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Given the short turnaround, Brighton boss Potter may opt to hand a recall to Glenn Murray, who would be facing his former club.
Martin Montoya could come in at right-back, while Pascal Gross and Alireza Jahanbakhsh are pushing for an outing in the final third.
As for Bournemouth, they will be without Steve Cook due to the red card that he picked up against the Canaries.
Simon Francis is expected to replace Cook at centre-back, with Lewis Cook potentially taking the spot of Dan Gosling in midfield.
Depending on what formation is used, Solanke may also feature in the final third, possibly in tandem with Callum Wilson.
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Smith, Francis, Ake, Rico; Billing, Lerma, L.Cook; H.Wilson; Solanke, C.Wilson
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Bernardo; Mooy, Propper, Stephens, Trossard; Murray, Maupay
We say: Bournemouth 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Despite home advantage, it is difficult to back Bournemouth right now. As far as Brighton are concerned, playing on away territory may suit them, and we feel that the Seagulls will have too much quality in the final third.
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