The Premier League starts on Friday night this weekend as Brighton and Hove Albion welcome West Ham United to the American Express Community Stadium.
This is a big match for both teams and Brighton will be looking to pick up maximum points as they have been in a slump without winning games. West Ham appear to have turned a corner recently and this is a match they will believe they can win.
Brighton come into this game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. While a 2-0 loss at the home of the defending champions is not a bad result it did extend their run of games without a win. Trends show Brighton have won only one of their last ten matches in all competitions and have failed to win any of their last six.
However, Brighton have been tough to beat at home in the Premier League and trends show they have lost just one of their last five on home soil. This season they have defeated Manchester United, been held by Fulham and lost to Tottenham Hotspur.
There have been plenty of goals to enjoy at Brighton home games this season in the Premier League. The Seagulls have seen over 2.5 goals in all three matches plus both teams have scored in all three games.
West Ham started the Premier League season poorly and lost their first four matches. There were defeats at home against Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers plus away losses at Liverpool and Arsenal.
It seemed as though West Ham were set for a relegation battle, especially following the two home defeats against teams the Hammers would be hoping to beat. However, a 3-1 win at Everton appears to have brought some confidence to the team and a 0-0 home draw with Chelsea was followed by a good 3-1 win against Manchester United.
The win over Everton will give West Ham confidence they can win this match. We could be in for an entertaining evening as trends show both teams have scored in ten of West Ham’s last twelve away Premier League games.
Looking ahead to the team news and Brighton are still without the injured Pascal Gross, which is a big blow in terms of creativity. Dale Stephens is a doubt but is expected to be fit enough to take his place in midfield.
West Ham have no new injury concerns but are still without Manuel Lanzini, Andy Carroll, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez and Winston Reid who are all injured. Chicharito is a doubt due to illness.
This should be a very entertaining match and both teams could find the back of the net if form is to be trusted. However, Brighton are difficult to beat on home soil and this could be a much needed win for the Seagulls.