Prediction: West Ham vs Brighton and Hove Albion

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 37/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

West Ham will aim to break their Premier League home hoodoo against Brighton and Hove Albion when they meet on Saturday at the London Stadium. The Hammers have yet to claim a top-flight victory over the Seagulls on home turf and will be eager to change that narrative this weekend.

Neither team secured maximum points in gameweek 16. Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham side were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, while Brighton endured a 3-1 defeat at the hands of their M23 derby rivals, Crystal Palace.

West Ham

West Ham United’s Monday night clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium unfolded as a duel defined by two set-piece moments. Lucas Paqueta’s composed penalty had the Irons poised for victory, only for Enes Unal’s sensational free-kick to snatch it away, marking one of the Premier League’s standout goals this season.

Had Unal not found the top corner with his wonder strike, West Ham would have celebrated back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this campaign, following their crucial 2-1 triumph over relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite that missed opportunity, Julen Lopetegui’s side remain in a relatively comfortable position, sitting 14th in the table with a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone.

However, inconsistency has defined West Ham’s season so far. In fact, they have only once recorded the same result in consecutive Premier League matches, suffering back-to-back losses to Leicester City and Arsenal. This trend suggests that Saturday’s encounter with Brighton is unlikely to end in a draw, with a clear winner or loser expected.

Encouragingly for the Hammers, their home form has shown signs of revival. They have collected 10 points from their last five Premier League matches at the London Stadium, matching the tally from their previous 11 top-flight games on home soil.

Team News

West Ham face mixed news on the suspension front this weekend. Emerson Palmieri returns from the one-game ban he served during the Bournemouth draw, but Carlos Soler will be unavailable due to yellow card accumulation.

Soler, who was substituted off for Niclas Füllkrug before the hour mark on Monday, might see his absence prompt a tactical tweak from Julen Lopetegui. Jarrod Bowen could shift back to his familiar wide role to accommodate the German striker in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Michail Antonio remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from surgery following a recent car accident. The only other injury concern for the Irons is Jean-Clair Todibo, who is dealing with a tight groin.

Brighton and Hove Albion

West Ham’s recent return of four points from their last two Premier League outings is a notable improvement over the fortunes of their upcoming opponents. Fabian Hurzeler’s side extended their winless streak to four matches in the top flight after suffering a humbling defeat against fierce rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex last weekend.

The Seagulls were undone by a masterclass from Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice and set up Trevoh Chalobah in unconventional fashion, leading Palace to a commanding victory. Brighton’s only consolation came late on, courtesy of a Marc Guehi own-goal, but the damage had already been done.

Brighton’s recent form, a mere two points from their last four Premier League matches and two wins in their last nine across all competitions, falls short of expectations for a team with European ambitions. Nevertheless, the ninth-placed Seagulls remain in the mix, sitting just three points adrift of fifth-placed Manchester City.

True to their reputation for entertaining football, Hurzeler’s men have both scored and conceded in each of their last nine outings across all competitions. While Marc Guehi’s own-goal last weekend was ultimately inconsequential, it extended Brighton’s scoring streak to 14 matches in the league and Carabao Cup combined.

The Seagulls have also cemented their status as West Ham’s home nemesis, avoiding defeat in all seven of their top-flight visits to the London Stadium. Five of those matches ended in draws, and the Hammers have yet to beat any other opponent more frequently at home in the Premier League without securing a win.

Team News

Brighton’s medical team faces a busier workload than West Ham’s ahead of Saturday’s clash, with Hurzeler likely missing five players, including long-term absentee Adam Webster (thigh).

Danny Welbeck (ankle), Ferdi Kadioglu (foot), Jack Hinshelwood (knee), James Milner (thigh), and Solly March (knee) are also expected to remain sidelined. However, there is a silver lining for the Seagulls as Matt O’Riley and Joel Veltman are poised for returns.

Both players are strong candidates for immediate reintegration into the starting lineup. Veltman could replace Tariq Lamptey at right-back, while O’Riley is likely to challenge Yasin Ayari for a spot in the midfield engine room.

Conclusion

West Ham’s improved resilience in recent home fixtures contrasts with Brighton’s current struggles, as the injury-hit Seagulls lack defensive solidity and have been uninspired of late.

However, Hurzeler’s side remains a threat going forward and are capable of matching their opponents in the attacking third. Meanwhile, West Ham’s inconsistency makes it difficult to back them to break their Premier League home hoodoo against Brighton.

A high-energy and evenly matched contest is on the cards, with an entertaining draw the most plausible outcome.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 37/20

Bookmaker: Unibet