Brighton and Hove Albion will be looking to end their four-game winless run in the Premier League when they travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.
After a promising start to the season, they have hit somewhat of a rough patch, managing only two points from their last four games. The Seagulls were beaten 3-1 at home at the hands of fierce foes Crystal Palace last weekend. This has seen Fabian Hurzeler’s side drop to ninth in the table.
Hurzeler has to get his team out of the rut and there may not be a better team to do that than at West Ham, who have never beaten Brighton in their last seven top-flight visits at the London Stadium.
Brighton Team News
Joel Veltman and Matt O’Riley are back in contention for Brighton, but Danny Welbeck has been ruled out of the game with an ankle injury. The experienced striker joins James Milner, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood and Ferdi Kadioglu on the treatment table.
Meanwhile, centre-back Adam Webster is back in training and it remains to be seen whether he is included in the trip to the London Stadium.
Predicted Brighton lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Bart Verbruggen should continue in goal for Brighton. The Dutchman has been exposed by the defenders in front of late, so he will expect more solidity and resilience from them to help him keep a clean sheet.
Defence
Joel Veltman will push for an immediate recall to the first XI. He is expected to replace Tariq Lamptey at right-back, with Pervis Estupinan retaining his left-back spot. The full-backs will be trying to stretch the West Ham backline with their energy and overlapping runs, but they must not compromise completing their defensive tasks.
Jan Paul Van Hecke is a certainty to partner skipper Lewis Dunk in central defence, with the duo trying to potentially stop Niclas Fullkrug.
Midfield
Carlos Baleba should start with Yasin Ayari in the double pivot in the middle of the park. The duo will look to control the game and create opportunities for the forwards in the final third.
Georginio Rutter’s ability to drop deep, link play and enter the box late should be crucial. He is expected to start in the No.10 role. Mats Wieffer and Jakub Moder must start on the bench again.
Attack
Hurzeler will be keen to bring in some fresh energy in attack, opening the door for Simon Adingra to start at the expense of Yankuba Minteh on the right. With his pace and dribbling skills, Kaoru Mitoma will look to create headaches for the fragile West Ham backline.
Brighton’s leading goalscorer this season, Joao Pedro is a certainty to lead their attack. The Brazilian has the qualities in his locker to make life difficult for the home side.
