Graham Potter’s first match in charge as a Premier League manager ended in a marauding 3-0 victory at Vicarage Road. His Brighton side put in a solid performance against Watford to get off the mark in the league in fine fashion. They will look to continue their winning start to the campaign this weekend when they welcome a West Ham United side that is reeling from a 0-5 loss to Manchester City at home.
The Hammers have failed to beat The Seagulls away from home in their top-flight history and have also lost three of their last four games against the south coast club. Manuel Pellegrini has enough quality in his squad to test Brighton but the momentum is with the hosts, who will believe that they can take three more points this weekend.
The Seagulls have no new injury issues to worry about, ahead of this game. Jose Izquierdo, Ezequiel Schelotto and Yves Bissouma are all nursing injuries and are not expected to play any role in this game.
Defence
Mat Ryan stood tall and denied Watford on a couple of occasions to keep a clean sheet last weekend. He should keep his place under the bar against The Hammers as well. Potter used a three-man backline with Lewis Dunk at the heart of the defence.
Shane Duffy, who was probably Brighton’s best player in that 3-0 victory will start to Dunk’s left while Dan Burn, who was also solid at the back, will start on his left. The likes of Chicharito, Michail Antonio and Robert Snodgrass could pose a different kind of threat to the Brighton backline this weekend though.
Midfield
Martin Montoya was all over the Watford defence in the previous game. He was excellent with his crossing and was also effective at the back. He should keep his place at right wing-back while Solly March, who put in a solid shift against The Hornets, deserves to keep his place as a wing-back on the left flank.
Dale Stephens and Davy Propper are a trusted duo in the middle of the park for Brighton. Potter will hope that the duo can keep the likes of Jack Wilshere and Manuel Lanzini quiet in this game.
Attack
Pascal Gross had his moments in attack, constantly troubling the Watford backline. He started that game on the right flank but could be pushed into a more central attacking role for this game against West Ham.
The quality Neal Maupay brought to the side after being subbed on in the last game is evidence enough for Potter to start the French ace alongside Glenn Murry, who was replaced in that game. But both players have attributes that complement each others’ game and could form a strike force that could be too hot to handle for the likes of Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
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