Elphick set to face former club
Tommy Elphick looks set to start for Bournemouth against former club Brighton on Saturday lunchtime.
The 26-year-old, who has been restricted to just five starts this season returned to the side for the 1-0 defeat to Derby on Saturday and two injuries at the heart of Eddie Howe's defence means he is almost certain to be in the line-up again.
Elliott Ward is ruled out for up to two months with a calf injury while Steve Cook is rated doubtful with a foot and ankle problem.
Arsenal loanee Nico Yennaris arrived on Thursday afternoon and is available for selection for the televised clash.
Brighton will be without Bruno Saltor.
The defender serves a one-match ban after he was shown a fifth yellow card of the season at Wigan last weekend so fellow Spaniard Inigo Calderon will step in at right-back.
The Seagulls also hope to have Will Buckley available after a hamstring injury sidelined him for the last two matches.
Fellow winger Kazenga LuaLua (hamstring) and striker Leonardo Ulloa (foot) are due back in mid-December meaning forwards Craig Mackail-Smith (Achilles) and Will Hoskins (knee) are the only long-term absentees.
Source: PA
Source: PA