Since Brighton's promotion to the Premier League, West Ham have won only one of 14 encounters with the Seagulls, this a 3-1 smash-and-grab in Sussex last season, while the pair played out a terribly dull goalless stalemate in East London almost a year ago; this one must be more entertaining, now that is a guarantee!
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Preview
Can Brighton & Hove Albion get back to winning ways? Last Sunday, the Seagulls suffered a devastating demolition at the hands of fierce rivals Crystal Palace, 3-0 down at the Amex meaning, by the time the Eagles scored a late own goal, there were very few home supporters left to cheer it. As recently as late-November, Fabian Hürzeler's team were flying-high in fifth place, but Brighton have since failed to win any of their last four, most-notably throwing away a 2-0 lead in the final minutes at Leicester a fortnight ago. As a result, the Seagulls have slid down to ninth, so can they end this winless streak at the London Stadium?
West Ham United meantime are five points and five places below their visitors from the South Coast, with supporters still yet to be convinced by what Julen Lopetegui is selling. On Monday night, the Hammers were seemingly set to seize victory at Bournemouth, Lucas Paquetá cooly converting a spot-kick just three minutes from time, only for a stunning, long-range free-kick moments later to ensure the points were shared at Dean Court.
A week earlier, the Irons had, crucially, defeated Wolves 2-1 at home, Jarrod Bowen with a solo-late strike to snatch victory, a goal that kept Lopetegui in a job. After this, the Hammers will travel to rock-bottom Southampton on Boxing Day, before meetings with Liverpool and Man City either-side of New Year's Day, so building momentum here will be crucial. This will be the eighth time Brighton have visited the London Stadium, yet to taste defeat in Stratford, so can the Irons change that fact?
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 61.
- West Ham United Wins: 19. Draws: 21. Brighton & Hove Albion Wins: 21.
West Ham United Team News
Emerson can return from suspension, allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to shift back over to right-back, although Carlos Soler is now banned, shown his fifth caution of the campaign on Monday night. Incidentally, Edson Álvarez, Tomáš Souček, Guido Rodríguez and Lucas Paquetá would all miss Thursday's visit to St Mary's if cautioned. Elswhere, Konstantinos Mavropanos will keep his place at the back, with Jean-Clair Todibo having not started since a reported bust-up with Julen Lopetegui following the defeat to Arsenal. Lastly, following his horrific car accident, Michail Antonio is sidelined long-term, so could Niclas Füllkrug start a Premier League match for the very first time, or will Jarrod Bowen continue to spearhead the attack?
West Ham United predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion: (4-2-3-1): Fabiański; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Álvarez, Souček, Bowen, Paquetá, Kudus; Füllkrug.
West Ham United Player to Watch vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Jarrod Bowen has five goals to his name this season, each of the last four have come at the London Stadium, while he netted during West Ham's sole Premier League victory over Brighton, to date, in August last year.
Brighton & Hove Albion Team News
Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Adam Webster, Joël Veltman, Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner and Solly March remain sidelined, but Julio Enciso was introduced at half time last Sunday, his first appearance since October due to a knee injury. João Pedro will continue to lead the line, although there is optimism that both Matt O'Riley and Danny Welbeck will be fit enough to play some part in East London, after both sat out last weekend's defeat. Centre-backs Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke would both miss Friday's visit from Brentford if booked which, given their lack of options in that position, is a scenario Fabian Hürzeler will be desperate to avoid.
Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineup vs West Ham United: (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, van Hecke, Estupiñán; Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; João Pedro.
Brighton & Hove Albion Players to Watch vs West Ham United
Kaoru Mitoma is currently three games without a goal, having netted in back-to-back appearances beforehand, while the Japanese winger netted during a 4-0 demolition of West Ham two seasons ago.
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
We are backing Brighton to leave East London victorious. The Seagulls are not in great form, but West Ham have been generally underwhelming all season, so we can certainly see the visitors sending the Hammers home unhappy just in time for Christmas: West Ham United 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion.
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion FAQs - Premier League
How to watch West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game on TV channel?
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game on live streaming?
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League?
West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion takes place on Saturday 21 December 2024, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PST).