West Ham host Brighton on Saturday afternoon in a six-point Premier League relegation battle. The Hammers are 17th in the Premier League and only outside of the relegation zone due to goal difference.
David Moyes has won just once in five Premier League matches since taking over for Manuel Pellegrini. He has overseen three losses in that five-match timeframe. West Ham have not got better under Moyes and look incredibly conservative in matches.
Graham Potter’s Brighton are 15th and just two points above the relegation zone. A loss and results going against them this weekend would see Brighton fall into the relegation zone.
Brighton are winless in their last four league games with just two points from a possible 12 to show for their play. Last time around, Brighton fell 3-1 to relegation rival Bournemouth in a game they should have played better in.
Since the Seagulls were promoted to the Premier League, they are unbeaten in five matches versus West Ham. Brighton have won three matches versus the Hammers while drawing two. Their last two fixtures both ended in stalemates.
Earlier this season, West Ham forward Javier Hernandez, who since departed, opened the scoring just after the hour-mark. Brighton struck back four minutes later with a goal from Leandro Tossard for a share of the points.
Moyes looks to be without several attacking players. Michail Antonio and Felipe Anderson both missed West Ham’s midweek loss to Liverpool.
Their absences were notable as West Ham struggled in the final third. Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks, and Andriy Yarmolenko are also ruled out of the game through injury.
Potter could have Shane Duffy fit for the trip to London. Duffy is recovering from a shin injury. Dan Burn, Jose Izquierdo, and Leon Balogun are all ruled out for the fixture.
Brighton announced the permanent transfer signing of Aaron Mooy this week. He scored the last time out versus Bournemouth and could get on the scoresheet this time around.
West Ham are trying to sign several players in the final day of the transfer window. However, it doesn’t look like they will be able to get any players for Moyes. The short-term planning at the club has continued as millions have been spent in the transfer windows with results all being the same.
Saturday’s game is a massive fixture for both teams. It should result in a conservative game from both sides with a draw being the outcome. Both sides should find the back of the net in a score draw at the London Stadium.