Brighton are in a relegation battle and desperately need points on matchday 15. Graham Potter’s team are just two points above the relegation zone.
West Ham are a solid midtable team with 21 points from 42 possible. Just four points have the Hammers off of the top five. David Moyes’ team are coming off of a 3-0 loss to Chelsea which brought them back down to earth.
While Brighton is the more in-form team going into the game, Brighton’s record over the course of their last six games against West Ham has been sterling.
The Seagulls have not lost to West Ham since joining the Premier League in 2017-18. Brighton have won three and drawn three in their six league matches versus West Ham. Their last three league games all ended in draws.
West Ham have taken 10 points from their last 18 on offer. They outscored their opponents 10-6. Three of those six goals came against Chelsea last weekend.
Brighton have taken just six points from their last 18 on offer. They have struggled to get points but did draw their last two games.
Moyes could be without key attacking players Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini. Antonio has a thigh injury while Lanzini is suffering from a hamstring strain. Sebastien Haller could start in attack. He has scored three goals in 13 league appearances.
Defender Arthur Masuaku is ruled out of the game. He has a knee injury and won’t return for some time.
Potter could be without in-demand full-back Tariq Lamptey. The defender is wanted by several clubs around Europe according to reports. He is a doubt for the game with a thigh strain. Meanwhile, long-term absentees Jose Izquierdo and Florin Andone.
The Hammers have taken 11 points from 21 possible at the London Stadium. They are +2 in goal difference. Brighton have managed eight points from 21 on the road. Just one of their last six away games finished in a victory.
🇦🇷💎 @manulanzini pic.twitter.com/lYrQN6KvGK— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 23, 2020
🇦🇷💎 @manulanzini pic.twitter.com/lYrQN6KvGK
Last season’s game at the London Stadium finished in a six-goal thriller. The teams played out a pulsating 3-3 draw. West Ham were up 2-0 at halftime but Brighton came back to draw 3-3.
Will we see a repeat of goals when the teams play at the weekend? West Ham should win and keep Brighton from battling back. The teams should again combine for over 2.5 goals a they both score goals.
West Ham should end their winless run against Brighton this time with a victory at home. Can Haller add to his goals tally? He just might against the league’s fifth-worst defence.