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West Ham v Brighton preview: Crucial game for both Hammers and Seagulls

By Shanith de Mel

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Pascal Gross of Brighton and Hove Albion scores his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United at Amex Stadium on February 3, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Pascal Gross of Brighton and Hove Albion scores his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United at Amex Stadium on February 3, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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The opening game of Matchday 8 sees two teams mired in mid table but looking to bounce up to headier heights. Brighton, always a solid team and an exciting prospect at the AMEX, face a newly resurgent West Ham. Both teams, currently 14th and 15th on the ladder, will be looking for crucial points before tougher fixtures kick in.

Home Team: Brighton

Brighton find themselves struggling somewhat, with a solitary win in the last 7 games. However, 4 of these fixtures have come against top 6 teams, and another was an opening game loss to Watford. Their usually, sturdy defence has been uncharacteristically wayward, with no clean sheets thus far.

Brighton will, as always, be heavily reliant on the goal threat of 35-year-old talisman, Glenn Murray. The veteran striker has continued from a hugely successful season previously, adding 4 goals this campaign already.

This is roughly half of Brighton’s goal tally – illustrating his importance to a side lacking firepower. Firebrand winger Jose Izquierdo will likely come off the bench, having played 45 minutes for the U-23’s in the week. Izquierdo, of course scored a worldly at the London Stadium last season in a brilliant 3-0 Brighton win.

He also scored as West Ham were walloped 3-1 at the Amex in their last meeting in February. Brighton will hope for a repeat performance at home this time round.

Likely Lineup: 4-1-4-1

Ryan – Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Bong – Stevens – Knockaert, Pröpper, Bissouma, March – Murray

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Away Team: West Ham United

After a horror start in which they collected 0 points from 4 games, West Ham are finally on the up. Their last game was a 3-1 demolition of Manchester United, and the confidence is back for all involved with the London Club.

7 points from their last 3 games against United, Chelsea and Everton is nothing short of tremendous. An 8-0 thrashing of Macclesfield Town in the Carabao Cup has also seen positivity return to the London Stadium.

Crucial to this turn around has been the form of the attacking trio Arnautovic, Yarmolenko and Anderson. The three menaced United’s defence, and will relish the opportunity to attack against Brighton’s wobbly defence.

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Captain Mark Noble and youngster Declan Rice will continue to run the midfield alongside Pedro Obiang, having been the keys to the Hammers’ turn around. With a reliable defence and midfield clicking into place, West Ham will look for all 3 points as they look to bigger and better things.

Likely Lineup: 4-1-4-1

Fabianski – Zabaleta, Balbuena, Diop, Masuaku- Rice – Yarmolenko, Noble, Obiang, Rice – Arnautovic

Score Prediction: Brighton 1-3 West Ham

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