Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Bournemouth

Brighton & Hove Albion will be hoping to begin 2014 with a second victory in a row as they look to find some consistency in the Championship.

Oscar Garcia's side have won three of their last six league games, including a 1-0 win at Blackpool on Sunday, to sit just outside of the playoff places on goal difference.

Brighton will be without defender Stephen Ward, who suffered a concussion in the game against the Seasiders.

Bournemouth have overcome an indifferent start to December by recording seven points from a possible nine in their last three games.

Eddie Howe's team achieved an impressive point against Ipswich Town on Sunday, but they need to improve on the road after winning just three times from 11 fixtures.

Recent form

Brighton & Hove Albion: LWWDLW

Bournemouth: LWLWWD

Possible starting lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion: Kuszczak; Calderon, Dunk, El-Abd, Upson; Bridcutt, Ince, Crofts; Buckley, Barnes, Ulloa

Bournemouth: Camp; Francis, Daniels, Elphick, Ward; Ritchie, O'Kane, McQuoid, Surman, Fraser; Grabban

Sports Mole says: 2-1