Brighton vs Bournemouth LIVE: Express Sport brings you the latest Premier League updates from the Amex Stadium

CHERRIES ON THE UP

12:25: Bournemouth head into 2018 and along the south coast to Brighton with a spring in their step and the winds of fortune blowing their way.

After Callum Wilson's controversial last-gasp equaliser secured a 3-3 draw against fellow strugglers West Ham, Ryan Fraser's late deflected strike gave Bournemouth a first win in nine games against Everton.

The victory took Bournemouth out of the relegation zone and the delight on boss Eddie Howe's face was evident as he spoke about the psychological pressure of being in the bottom three.

HOWE OBLIGES...

12:20: What’s everyone’s thoughts on asking a rival manager to sign your team’s shirt? I’m not convinced myself, then again, Eddie Howe is clearly a much nicer bloke than me.

STAT BOX

*Bournemouth have won the four most recent meetings, including the reverse Premier League fixture and a League Cup tie this season.

*Brighton are winless in eight games in this fixture since a 3-2 home victory in League One on New Year's Day 2008. Alex Revell scored a hat-trick for the Seagulls that day.

*This will be the first league game Bournemouth have played on New Year's Day since 2014 - when they drew 1-1 with Brighton in the Championship at the Amex Stadium.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Ross: Stay away from Brighton vs Bournemouth game everyone. Gunna be a 0-0 with absolutely nothing happening.

Paul: Oh God. Bournemouth vs Brighton. That's like the worst game of would you rather ever.

Ben: It’s Brighton vs Bournemouth, I’d rather watch paint dry.

I’m not seeing too much enthusiasm for today’s clash folks. Fingers crossed the haters will be proved wrong with ding-dong of a battle.

TRANSFER DESTRUCTION

12:10: Now that’s a sensational headline I’ve ever I’ve seen one.

I’m referring to Brighton CEO Paul Barber’s programme notes, in which he urges supporters to ignore any transfer rumours linking players with the club.

I guess that means Celtic’s Moussa Dembele won’t be joining then…

TEAM NEWS - BOURNEMOUTH

12:05: Eddie Howe, whose parents allowed to to stay awake until 12:01 and enjoy a glass of Bucks Fizz yesterday, has made four changes to the side who beat Everton.

Charlie Daniels, Benik Afobe, Harry Arter and Marc Pugh all return to the starting XI. Brace hero Ryan Fraser misses out through injury.

TEAM NEWS - BRIGHTON

12:00: Chris Hughton, who obviously celebrated New Year with an intense game of scrabble and was fast asleep by 9:15pm, has made three changes to his starting XI.

Ezequiel Schelotto, Jose Izquierdo and Markus Suttner all come into the side with Bruno, Gaetan Bong and Solly March dropping out.

BRIGHTON vs BOURNEMOUTH

11:55: OK, let’s see the line-ups for the first game of 2018! The excitement is almost unbearable.

Brighton XI: Ryan, Dunk, Duffy, Stephens, Suttner, Propper, Gross, Schelotto, Knockaert, Murray, Izquierdo.

Subs: Krul, Bruno, Kayal, Hemed, Goldson, March, Brown.

Bournemouth XI: Begovic, Francis, Cook, Smith, Daniels, Cook, Pugh, Arter, Ibe, Afobe, Wilson.

Subs: Boruc, Gosling, Ake, Surman, Mousset, Butcher, Simpson.

HAVE YOUR SAY

11:50: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch!

You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport.

GOOD MORNING

11:45: Happy New Year, football fans!

We're getting 2018's Premier League coverage started in style with a quality clash down at the Amex Stadium between Brighton and Bournemouth.

OK, I’ve exaggerated a bit there.

My resolution was to try and be less cynical about uninspiring matches, but I’ve also vowed to be more sarcastic, so good luck knowing what to believe!

Anyway, I’m in position and fighting back an apocalyptic hangover to bring you LIVE coverage of today’s clash. Let’s get going!

BRIGHTON vs BOURNEMOUTH - PREVIEW

Brighton boss Chris Hughton will make a late check on central defender Lewis Dunk.

Dunk picked up 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.

Josh King suffered a new hamstring problem in Saturday's 2-1 win over Everton, and could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

Ryan Fraser could continue in the starting XI after his match-winning double against Everton, with Charlie Daniels possibly ready to return from the off.

Brighton provisional squad: Ryan, Krul, Bong, Bruno, Hunemeier, Duffy, Dunk, Rosenior, Goldson, Schelotto, Suttner, Kayal, Propper, Knockaert, Stephens, March, Izquierdo, Brown, Gross, Murray, Hemed, Baldock.

Bournemouth provisional squad: Begovic, Boruc, Ramsdale, S Cook, Francis, Simpson, Ake, A Smith, Daniels, Surman, L Cook, Fraser, Gosling, Pugh, Hyndman, Ibe, King, Afobe, Wilson, Mousset.