Brighton vs West Ham Preview: Team News, Stats & Key Battles

Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United in a crucial Premier League clash, with both teams struggling for form. The Seagulls are winless in six games across all competitions, while the Hammers have failed to secure a victory in their last six league matches. With key players missing and managerial pressure mounting, this fixture could prove pivotal in shaping the remainder of their seasons.

Team News & Injuries

Brighton’s Absentees & Returning Stars

Brighton will be without forward Joao Pedro, who begins a three-match suspension following his red card against Brentford. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke is also sidelined due to concussion protocols. However, there’s positive news as Kaoru Mitoma is fit to start after recovering from a heel issue, while Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey return to contention following injuries.

West Ham’s Fitness Concerns

West Ham boss Graham Potter hopes Aaron Wan-Bissaka will return from a toe injury, but Edson Alvarez is unlikely to feature. Long-term absentees Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville remain out, while Evan Ferguson is ineligible to face his parent club.

Head-to-Head Record

• Brighton have only lost once in their last 15 Premier League meetings with West Ham (W6, D8).

• West Ham have taken five points from their last three encounters, showing slight improvement.

• The Hammers’ 3-1 win at the Amex last season was their first league victory over Brighton since 2012.

Brighton’s Recent Struggles

• Winless in six games across all competitions after previously winning six straight.

• Three defeats in their last four league matches—more than in their previous 13 combined.

• Conceded 2+ goals in five consecutive league games, their worst defensive run since 2022.

• Danny Welbeck has six Premier League goals against West Ham—his favorite opponent. He needs one more to reach double figures for the first time in a single season.

West Ham’s Poor Form

• No wins in six league games (D3, L3)—their worst run since a seven-game winless streak in January 2023.

• Oldest average starting XI in the Premier League this season (28 years, 214 days).

• Zero comeback wins this season—only Southampton and Ipswich share this unwanted record.

• Away struggles: All four of their league wins on the road this season have been to nil. They’ve failed to win any of their last 15 away matches when conceding (D5, L10).

• Graham Potter’s struggles: Since taking charge, West Ham have earned just 13 points in 13 games, with only the bottom three performing worse in that period.

Key Battles to Watch

• Mitoma vs West Ham’s Defense: The Japanese winger’s return could exploit West Ham’s aging backline.

• Danny Welbeck’s Record: Can he extend his scoring streak against his favorite opponents?

• Midfield Control: With Alvarez out, West Ham’s midfield could be overrun by Brighton’s dynamic playmakers.

Prediction & Conclusion

This match could go either way, but Brighton’s home advantage and West Ham’s poor away record suggest the Seagulls might edge it. However, if Potter’s side can tighten their defense, they could grind out a much-needed point.

Will Brighton end their slump, or can West Ham finally turn their form around? Tune in to find out!

CTA: Who do you think will win? Share your predictions in the comments!