Veljko Milosavljevic is excited for his potential Bournemouth debut against Brighton. After defensive reinforcements, Bournemouth aims to break their losing streak against Brighton. The match features key players like Antoine Semenyo and Kaoru Mitoma, with Bournemouth having a slight edge in win probability.
Veljko Milosavljevic, Bournemouth's latest defensive acquisition, is brimming with anticipation as he prepares for his potential Premier League debut against Brighton this Saturday. The Serbian center-back, who arrived from Red Star Belgrade on transfer deadline day, is eager to prove his worth and help the Cherries climb the league table.
Milosavljevic's arrival, coupled with the signing of full-back Alex Jimenez from AC Milan, provided manager Andoni Iraola with the defensive reinforcements he had been actively seeking. Iraola, known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on a strong defensive foundation, will be looking to integrate the new signings into his squad as quickly as possible.
Bournemouth enters the match against Brighton on a high note, having secured a statement 1-0 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur before the international break. That win, characterized by resilience and clinical finishing, provided a significant boost to the team's confidence and morale.
However, the Cherries face a stern test against a Brighton side that has proven to be a difficult opponent in recent years. Bournemouth has lost five of their last six Premier League encounters against the Seagulls, a record they are determined to improve upon. Milosavljevic, with his imposing presence and defensive prowess, will be crucial in Bournemouth's efforts to halt Brighton's dominance.
"I'm very happy to join the Bournemouth family," Milosavljevic stated upon his arrival. "I felt 100% about joining Bournemouth. I am very happy to have joined Bournemouth and to be playing in the Premier League." His enthusiasm and commitment are clear indicators of his desire to make a positive impact on the team.
The Serbian defender is focused on quickly adapting to Iraola's tactical demands and integrating seamlessly into the team's system. "[I want to] understand the manager's questions of me and adapt to the team," he explained. His willingness to learn and adjust will be essential as he navigates the challenges of the Premier League.
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Brighton arrives at the Vitality Stadium fresh off a remarkable 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the AMEX Stadium. Roberto De Zerbi's side demonstrated their attacking flair and tactical acumen in that match, leaving Pep Guardiola's team stunned. The Seagulls have enjoyed a strong start to the season, including a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford United in the EFL Cup and a draw against Fulham on the opening day.
Brighton's goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, has been a standout performer since joining the club in 2023. His impressive displays have attracted attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich. However, Verbruggen has reaffirmed his commitment to Brighton under the guidance of manager Fabian Hurzeler.
"It's always a compliment to be linked with such big clubs, but I haven't really given it much thought," Verbruggen said. "Honestly, I don't know what was right and what wasn't. My agent is keeping me away from that. When something becomes concrete and decisions have to be made, I'll automatically know."
The young goalkeeper emphasized his focus on staying fit and contributing to the team's success. "I've had problems with my knee this summer and have focused on staying fit. To be honest, I don't know what has or hasn't been going on. My agent keeps me out of it."
"If something becomes very concrete and choices have to be made, I'll hear about it. It's important to stay calm and take everything step by step. Then I'll see where it takes me in the end. The focus this week is on the Dutch national team, playing the qualifying matches and achieving good results."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bournemouth – Antoine Semenyo
Semenyo has emerged as a key figure in Bournemouth's attack, showcasing his ability to create chances and find the back of the net. He is the only player in the Premier League this season to register at least 10 shots and create five chances. The forward scored a brace on the opening day against Liverpool and provided an assist against Wolves.
However, Semenyo has yet to record a goal or an assist in six appearances against Brighton, despite generating 12 shots and six key passes in those matches. He will be aiming to break that duck and make a decisive contribution on Saturday.
Brighton – Kaoru Mitoma
Mitoma was in scintillating form during Brighton's previous Premier League match against Manchester City, delivering an assist and creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. He tallied 13 passes in the final third, the most of any Brighton player, and will be eager to replicate that performance against Bournemouth.
Mitoma's pace, trickery, and eye for a pass make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Bournemouth will need to keep a close eye on him to prevent him from dictating the game.
MATCH PREDICTION: BOURNEMOUTH WIN
Bournemouth enjoyed initial success against Brighton in the Premier League, securing four victories in their first six encounters. However, they have since struggled, losing five of the last six matches. This season, the Cherries have accumulated six points from their opening three fixtures, their second-best top-flight start. A win on Saturday would give them three straight league wins for the first time since December 2024.
After conceding 19 shots in their 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day, Bournemouth has tightened up defensively. Across matchdays two and three, they faced fewer shots than any other team, keeping two clean sheets. Remarkably, only Burnley in 1895-96 and Arsenal in 1989-90 have ever followed up on conceding four in their opening game with three consecutive clean sheets.
Brighton has won two of their last three league trips to Bournemouth and are aiming for back-to-back away victories at the Vitality for the first time since February 1932. Since their 7-0 drubbing at Nottingham Forest on Valentine's Day, Brighton has collected more Premier League points than most teams. In that same period, Brighton have scored 34 goals – second only to Liverpool.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Bournemouth – 42.4%
Draw – 26.7%
Brighton – 30.9%