England Premier League
Tuesday 2nd January 2024
Kick off at 7:30pm GMT
Venue: London Stadium
Match Preview:
The final game of the Premier League season for nearly two weeks will take place on Tuesday evening when two sides in decent form clash in London. West Ham have won their last 3 games and this game will be about bridging the gap from their current position of sixth to fifth which is six points. This is a big opportunity for David Moyes' side not to get left behind. Not many may have predicted that as entered the new year West Ham would not only be 2 points in front of Manchester United but also with a game in hand and they are five points clear of Chelsea and this is shaping up to be another solid season for the Hammers. There have been reports that manager David Moyes will be offered a contract extension too.
West Ham’s last game was perhaps their most impressive this season as they ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run at home and won 2-0. It was a perfect game for the club and of course another clean sheet. At home it’s 5 wins from 9 and two defeats and their last home game finished in a 2-0 win over Manchester United and they have won their last two games here, indeed the club hasn’t lost at home since Everton won here at the end of October.
Brighton are in 8th place and would go above their hosts on goal difference with a win here. Their latest game felt like one of a triumph as they smashed 4 goals past a quality side in Tottenham winning that game 4-2 and it’s just one defeat in their last four games. The Seagulls have suffered more away from home and have almost lost 50% of their games on their trips. The club's last away game ended in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have gone their last 3 away games with no wins.
Team News:
West Ham: Nayef Aguerd and Mohammed Kudus are on international duty. Lucas Paqueta is only 50/50 to return from a hamstring injury and remains a real concern. Kurt Zouma isn’t expected back just yet from a knee injury but may be assessed. Michail Antonio is expected to miss out with a knee injury.
Brighton: Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra are on international duty, Facundo Buonanotte has a knock but will be assessed. Lewis Dunk is suspended for picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Igor Julio has a knock but could be fine for this game. Ansu Fati, Julio Enciso, Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey, Soloman March and Adam Webster are all out long term.
West Ham vs Brighton Head to Head:
Last season Brighton won this fixture 2-0.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture West Ham won 3-1 that was the Hammers first win in 13 meetings.
There is an 80% chance to see both teams to score.
West Ham vs Brighton Prediction:
This is a fixture that is very evenly balanced. It is true that Brighton have had quite a hold over West Ham in the past decade but the Hammers surprised them with victory this season. The problem is that Moyes' side will be missing 3 key attacking players then again Brighton have their own problems. Brighton just keep surprising though and if you’d looked at their starting line up against Tottenham it would have felt like Tottenham would have strolled to victory. De Zerbi is a top level manager and gets so much out of his side.
West Ham have just pulled off a terrific result over Arsenal, but this will be a tricky game missing the players we have mentioned above in the injury list. Because of this and the fact that Brighton have such a solid record over the Hammers we will be wondering if the Seagulls can snatch an away victory. But the draw feels like a real possibility too so to cover this it may be worth backing the away side on the double chance. Jarrod Bowen looks like a brilliant price to score, he did so earlier this season against the same opponent and at 3.00 to do so anytime and at home looks like a solid choice for us.
West Ham vs Brighton Betting Tips:
Double Chance: Brighton win or draw at 1.57
Both teams to score at 1.50
Half Time Correct Score: 0-0 at 3.25
Anytime goalscorer: Jarrod Bowen at 3.00
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