Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker:
In what could prove to be an action-packed affair from the London Stadium on Tuesday night, Brighton will travel to the capital when they meet West Ham.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, putting in another stellar display last time out as they secured a 2-0 victory away at title contenders Arsenal, it appears that the mood in West Ham’s camp is at a red-hot high. Making real history last season as they claimed a maiden Europa Conference League crown, David Moyes’ men are certainly firing on all cylinders. Now with their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine top-six charge in 2024, the ex-Manchester United boss has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits. Breezing their way to the Europa League knockout stage on December 14th, West Ham have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Likewise, along with winning all of their last three Premier League outings by an aggregate score of 7-0, it should also be noted that the Hammers have suffered just a pair of defeats from any of their last 12 straight showdowns.
Team News
Dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance since returning from November’s international break, West Ham will once again be without Michail Antonio on Tuesday night. However, the Hammers are hopeful that summer recruit Mohamed Kudus will be able to feature before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Already notching 10 Premier League strikes this season and breaking a string of records, attacking talisman Jarrod Bowen will have a leading role to play here. Picking up a suspected calf issue against Arsenal on Thursday night, Brazil international Lucas Paqueta is not expected to feature here.
Brighton
As for the visitors, while Brighton might have shown some extended domestic inconsistencies over the past few months, Roberto De Zerbi’s side certainly claimed a stellar boost last time out. Putting in a rampant performance as they cruised their way to a 4-2 victory against Tottenham, the Seagulls will be desperate to use that display as a platform to build on. However, failing to collect back-to-back Premier League victories since September, the one-time Sassuolo boss will have a continued headache over his side’s defensive issues. Remarkably, Tuesday’s guests have failed to muster a single top-flight clean sheet from any of their first 19 appearances. Likewise, hit with a shock 3-1 loss when they welcomed West Ham to the Amex for their reverse Premier League meeting back on August 26th, De Zerbi’s side should be bracing themselves for another stern challenge in east London here.
Team News
Sustaining an ankle injury and expected to be on the sidelines for the next month, Brighton will travel to the London Stadium without Japan international Kaoru Mitoma. e Zerbi’s men will also be unable to call upon the likes of Solly March, Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey and Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati on Tuesday night.
Coming off the bench and producing a sublime strike against Tottenham last week, Pervis Estupinian could make a first Premier League start since the end of September. Already notching seven top-flight strikes this season, former Watford striker Joao Pedro will once again spearhead Brighton’s charge in east London.
Key Factors to Consider
