West Ham United host Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium in a Premier League fixture that feels significant for both sides as the season moves through a demanding stretch. West Ham are searching for stability and points near the lower end of the table, while Brighton arrive aiming to translate competitive performances into a steadier run of results.
West Ham’s last match saw them narrowly beaten in a tight contest that turned late. The result added to a difficult recent run and left them still looking for a spark to lift them clear of immediate danger. Across their last six league matches, results have been hard to come by, with defeats outweighing positives and confidence tested whenever games have slipped away after balanced openings. Home fixtures therefore carry added importance as they try to reset momentum.
Brighton’s most recent outing was a league match against top-level opposition, where they stayed competitive for long periods but were ultimately undone by key moments. Looking at their last six league games, Brighton’s form has been mixed: draws and narrow losses alongside occasional positives, reflecting a side that often plays well without always being rewarded. They remain in the top half, but consistency has been the missing piece in recent weeks.
Team news is part of the build-up. West Ham manager Nuno EspÃrito Santo continues to manage a number of fitness concerns. There have been recent issues in defence and midfield, with a few players carrying knocks that require late assessment rather than being guaranteed starters. The lack of continuity has made it harder to settle combinations, particularly at the back.
Brighton, led by Fabian Hürzeler, also have injury concerns to navigate. Long-term absentees remain unavailable, and several others have been carefully managed through the festive period to avoid setbacks. While their squad depth has helped them cope, rotation has been necessary, especially in wide and midfield areas.
In terms of players in form, West Ham still look to Jarrod Bowen as their primary attacking threat. His movement and finishing remain their most reliable route to goals, particularly in home matches where space can open up late on. For Brighton, Danny Welbeck has played an important role with his work rate and ability to bring others into play, while Georginio Rutter has also shown a knack for contributing in decisive moments.
Tactically, West Ham are likely to want a controlled, compact game, using the crowd to drive intensity and relying on transitions and set pieces to create chances. Brighton are comfortable with the ball and will look to move it patiently, drawing West Ham out of shape and testing discipline between the lines. How well West Ham cope with sustained possession, and how efficiently Brighton defend counter-attacks, could shape the balance.
For West Ham, this is about finding belief and points in a challenging period. For Brighton, it’s about sharpening execution and turning solid performances into wins. With both sides under different kinds of pressure, this has the feel of a match where small details — and who handles them better — may decide the outcome.
