Monday 1 January 2018 12:35, UK
Josh King is expected to miss Bournemouth's trip to Brighton, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 12pm on New Year's Day, after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The Norway forward suffered a new hamstring problem in Saturday's 2-1 win over Everton, and could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines as the Cherries travel across the south coast to the Amex Stadium.
Their victory at the Vitality was the first in eight Premier League outings for Eddie Howe's side, who have not lost any of their last seven league meetings with Brighton, winning four and drawing three since a 2-3 away loss in January 2008.
The New Year's Day fixture will see Chris Hughton send out his team for the fourth time in nine days, and the manager is not convinced that is necessary.
He said: "It's tough, but almost everybody has to do it, so no complaints. I don't think we should have to. What I do think they should do is take one of these games out.
"I just think it makes it less congested. When you have got to play on a Saturday and a Monday, it certainly does affect the quality of the football over such a short period of time."
Elsewhere for Bournemouth, Ryan Fraser could continue to the starting XI after his match-winning double against Everton, with Charlie Daniels possibly ready to return from the off.
Brighton will make a late check on central defender Lewis Dunk after he sustained a knock during Saturday's 0-0 draw at Newcastle, but is expected to be fit to face the Cherries.
On-loan Chelsea forward Izzy Brown did not make the 18 at St James' Park after having to sit out against his parent club on Boxing Day, while midfielder Steve Sidwell (back) is Hughton's only long-term absentee.
Brighton have lost their last three league meetings with Bournemouth, including their only previous top-flight meeting - a 1-2 loss at the Vitality Stadium in the reverse fixture.
This will be the first league game Bournemouth have played on New Year's Day since 2014 - when they drew 1-1 with Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
The Cherries will be playing their 10th New Year's Day away game in league competition, winning just one of the previous nine (D4 L4).
Chris Hughton won his first two managerial clashes with Eddie Howe - both while he was Birmingham boss - but has since lost each of his last three in all competitions.
Bournemouth have played four Premier League games on a Monday previously and lost all four without scoring a single goal.
The Seagulls have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four Premier League home games, having kept just one in their first six at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton have scored just one goal in their last six Premier League games, with the solitary goal scored by Pascal Gross. The Seagulls have fired in just 15 shots on target in this run, averaging just 2.5 per game.
It was a big result for Bournemouth to beat Everton. If they had stayed in the bottom three for too long then it becomes a problem because they play 'total soccer'. It's alright playing that way when you are full of confidence but if you are not then it becomes a bit of a problem. I can't emphasise enough what a big result that was against Everton.
Bournemouth should be alright this season because they score goals, while Brighton are decent at home but just can't score enough. I just don't see them putting teams away.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
