Brighton vs West Ham Preview
- Brighton to win
- Over 2.5 goals
As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, attention has turned to the increasingly competitive battle for eighth place—a position that could well secure European football next term due to England’s strong UEFA coefficient. Brighton remain in the mix, but their recent form threatens to derail that ambition.
The Seagulls are without a win in five league outings (D2, L3), and what’s more concerning is their defensive record during that run, conceding two or more goals in each match.
Familiar Foes Could Offer Brighton a Lifeline
Welcoming West Ham to the AMEX may be the perfect tonic for Brighton to reignite their season. The hosts have lost just one of their 15 Premier League meetings with the Hammers (W6, D8), although that solitary defeat came in this exact fixture last season (3-1). The historical advantage may inspire confidence in Roberto De Zerbi’s men, who need to shore things up defensively if they are to challenge for Europe.
The return of former boss Graham Potter adds a compelling narrative to this encounter. Brighton fans will recall how his return with Chelsea in October 2022 ended in a bruising 4-1 defeat for the visitors, and they’ll be hoping for a repeat performance here. Brighton’s players are likely to be just as motivated, especially considering how Potter’s exit still stirs mixed emotions on the south coast.
Potter’s Hammers Struggling to Find Consistency
Graham Potter’s stint at West Ham is yet to take flight, with the team currently on a six-match winless run in the league (D3, L3). If that sequence stretches to seven after this match, it would mark the club’s longest such run since January 2023. The Hammers are almost mathematically safe from relegation, meaning their remaining fixtures will primarily serve as preparation for a more productive 2025/26 campaign.
Interestingly, history beckons for the wrong reasons as Potter could become the first Premier League manager to suffer back-to-back defeats by 3+ goals in his first two meetings with a former employer. That certainly adds extra weight to what might otherwise have been a low-stakes affair for West Ham.
Hammers’ Travelling Troubles Continue
West Ham’s away form has been a significant hindrance. They haven’t managed to win a Premier League away game in which they’ve conceded since February 2023. Their last four away league wins have all come with clean sheets, which suggests a strong defensive showing is imperative if they’re to come away from the AMEX with three points.
The signs aren’t particularly promising on that front, though. The Hammers have conceded 14 goals in their last six away league matches, and with Brighton averaging nearly two goals per game at home this season, the visitors’ backline will need to tighten up significantly.
Key Battles: Welbeck’s Favourite Foes and Bowen’s Late Impact
Danny Welbeck is just one goal away from hitting double figures in a Premier League season for the first time in his career, and he may not get a better opportunity to do so.
The former England striker has scored more goals against West Ham than against any other top-flight opponent (6), making him one to watch on Saturday.
On the opposite end, Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s most potent threat. He’s scored the only goal in each of the Hammers’ last two away league victories, and all 12 of his most recent club goals have come after the 40th minute.
If West Ham are to steal something from this encounter, Bowen is likely to be involved.
Stats and Trends
- Brighton have conceded 2+ goals in each of their last five league matches.
- West Ham have scored 12 of their 16 away league goals this season after half-time.
- Brighton have lost just one of 15 Premier League matches against West Ham (W6, D8).
- West Ham haven’t won a Premier League away game in which they’ve conceded for over a year.
Prediction
With both sides out of sorts defensively but possessing individual attacking threats, goals are likely on the agenda. Brighton’s historical dominance over West Ham—especially at home—makes them slight favourites, but West Ham’s ability to strike late and Brighton’s leaky defence could produce a closely contested affair.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 West Ham
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Brighton v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League