West Ham host Brighton in a mid-table Premier League clash.
Victory or a draw will see West Ham stay 14th going into Christmas, whilst Brighton can go sixth with a win if Aston Villa fail to win in their lunchtime kick-off.
Team News
Carlos Soler is suspended for West Ham following his fifth booking of the season in their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Emerson Palmieri (suspension) and Jean-Clair Todibo (groin) could return but Michail Antonio (leg) remains absent.
Brighton could have Matt O’Riley and Joel Veltman available following recoveries from knocks.
Adam Webster (hamstring) could also feature if fit.
Danny Welbeck (ankle), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Jack Hinshelwood, Solly March (both knee) and James Milner (hamstring) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
West Ham host Brighton at London Stadium on Saturday 21 December at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- West Ham have won one of their last five meetings against Brighton (W1, D1, L3).
- Brighton have avoided defeat in their last seven Premier League visits to West Ham (W2, D5).
- Only one of West Ham’s seven home games against Brighton in the Premier League has ended goalless, which came in January 2024.
- Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have both produced five through-ball passes for West Ham this season.
- Brighton are winless away in London this season (D1, L2).
Prediction
Despite being largely outplayed at Bournemouth, West Ham produced a cracking defensive effort to claim a draw even after they briefly led but this will be just as tough given their home form against Brighton.
Brighton however are winless in four and for all of their dominance against Crystal Palace, their lack of solid defensive marking cost them so improvement is needed at the back as well as up front in shot conversion.
I however do expect the Seagulls to bounce back with their quality even if London hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for them, although West Ham won’t be easy to beat.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Brighton
Result: West Ham 1-1 Brighton