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**Meta Title:** Brighton vs West Ham Preview: EPL Prediction & Tips (51 chars)
**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions, betting tips, team news & tactical analysis for Brighton vs West Ham at the Amex Stadium (26/04/2025). Who will win this Premier League clash? (159 chars)

# Brighton vs West Ham: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League encounter as Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United at The American Express Community Stadium. This EPL clash is scheduled for **Saturday, April 26, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (2:00 PM UK time)**. We provide a full match preview, EPL predictions, team news, tactical analysis, and essential betting tips for this intriguing fixture.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Brighton 2 – 1 West Ham

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Brighton are favourites playing at home against a West Ham side struggling for form, particularly on the road. West Ham represent outsider value but carry significant risk.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Brighton have shown defensive frailties recently (conceding 2 vs Leicester, 2 vs Man City), while West Ham, despite poor form, managed 2 goals against Bournemouth recently.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals. Aligns with the predicted scoreline and Brighton's tendency for open games at the Amex.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):**
    *   Brighton Win: 45%
    *   Draw: 30%
    *   West Ham Win: 25%

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will likely determine the expected EPL outcome between the Seagulls and the Hammers:

*   **Recent Form:** Brighton's form is mixed (WW D L L D in their last six PL games before this match), showing flashes of quality but also inconsistency, including heavy defeats. West Ham's form is considerably worse (W L D L D L in their last six), indicating a struggle for results.
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** Brighton's home form at the Amex is generally solid and will be a significant advantage. West Ham have struggled on their travels this season, making this a tough fixture for them.
*   **Injuries and Availability:** Brighton face a potential injury crisis. Key forward Georginio Rutter (foot) is likely out for the season, a major blow. Several others like Joel Veltman, Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey, Igor Julio, Jason Steele, James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Kaoru Mitoma were injured or questionable around mid-April and their status remains crucial. West Ham's specific injury situation isn't detailed in recent reports but should be monitored closer to matchday.
*   **Managerial Strategies:** Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton typically employ a possession-based, attacking style. West Ham (manager not specified in recent data, but historically) might adopt a more pragmatic, counter-attacking approach, especially away from home, looking to exploit set-pieces.
*   **Morale:** Brighton, despite mixed results, may still harbour European aspirations, keeping motivation high. West Ham's poor run could have impacted team confidence.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion - Recent Form (Last 6 PL Matches)

*   Drew 2-2 vs Leicester City (H) - Apr 12
*   Lost 1-2 vs Crystal Palace (A) - Apr 5
*   Lost 0-3 vs Aston Villa (A) - Apr 2
*   Drew 2-2 vs Manchester City (H) - Mar 15
*   Won 2-1 vs Fulham (H) - Mar 8
*   Won 2-1 vs Bournemouth (H) - Feb 25

### West Ham United - Recent Form (Last 6 PL Matches)

*   Lost 1-2 vs Liverpool (A) - Apr 13
*   Drew 2-2 vs Bournemouth (H) - Apr 5
*   Lost 0-1 vs Wolves (A) - Apr 1
*   Drew 1-1 vs Everton (A) - Mar 15
*   Lost 0-1 vs Newcastle United (H) - Mar 10
*   Won 2-0 vs Leicester City (H) - Feb 27

### Injuries, Suspensions & Key Players

**Brighton:**

*   **Injuries/Questionable:** Georginio Rutter (OUT - Foot), Joel Veltman (Questionable - Ankle), Adam Webster (Questionable - Thigh), Tariq Lamptey (Questionable - Ankle), Igor Julio (Questionable - Hamstring), Jason Steele (Questionable - Shoulder), James Milner (Questionable - Thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (Questionable - Toe), Kaoru Mitoma (Questionable - Heel). *Status subject to final confirmation.*
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Joao Pedro:** The undisputed penalty king (9 PL goals from the spot for Brighton). Crucial attacking outlet, especially with Rutter out.
    *   **Carlos Baleba:** Energetic midfielder, potentially versatile (played CB recently). Key engine room presence. Linked with big-money moves.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** Captain and defensive organiser. Vital for stability.
    *   **Bart Verbruggen:** Goalkeeper attracting attention from clubs like Man Utd. Needs a strong performance.

**West Ham:**

*   **Injuries/Questionable:** Specific updates not available from provided sources. Check official team news closer to the match.
*   **Key Players (Based on general knowledge):**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Typically West Ham's main goal threat when fit. Pace and finishing ability are key.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus:** Creative spark, capable of unlocking defences if available.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse:** Set-piece specialist, delivery could be crucial for West Ham's chances.

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## Tactical Preview

This EPL tactical analysis suggests a clash of styles at the Amex:

*   **Likely Formations:**
    *   **Brighton (4-2-3-1):** Hurzeler is expected to stick with his preferred setup, focusing on controlling possession through midfield pivots like Baleba and Ayari, with wingers Adingra and Minteh providing width.
    *   **West Ham (Potential 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 / 5-4-1):** Away from home and facing a possession-heavy side, West Ham might opt for a more compact structure, potentially reinforcing the midfield or defence to frustrate Brighton and hit on the break.
*   **Styles of Play:**
    *   **Brighton:** Expect intricate build-up play from the back, high possession stats, attempts to overload wide areas, and counter-pressing upon losing the ball.
    *   **West Ham:** Likely to be more direct, seeking quick transitions, utilising the pace of their forwards (if available), and posing a significant threat from set-pieces.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Brighton Midfield vs. West Ham Midfield:** Can Baleba and Ayari dominate possession and dictate tempo, or will West Ham's midfield disrupt their rhythm and win crucial second balls?
    *   **Joao Pedro vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can Pedro find space and link play effectively, or will the Hammers' central defenders keep him quiet?
    *   **Brighton Wingers vs. West Ham Full-Backs:** Adingra and Minteh's ability to beat their markers could be key to unlocking the West Ham defence.

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## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture pits Brighton's home strength and possession football against West Ham's poor recent form and likely counter-attacking threat. Brighton's significant injury list, particularly the absence of Georginio Rutter, levels the playing field somewhat, but the Amex factor and West Ham's struggles favour the home side.

**Key Takeaways & Betting Angles:**

*   **Prediction:** Brighton 2-1 West Ham.
*   **Best Bets:** Brighton Win, Both Teams To Score (Yes), Over 2.5 Goals.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   **Joao Pedro (BRI):** On penalties and Brighton's likely focal point in attack. High potential for points.
    *   **Carlos Baleba (BRI):** Potential for bonus points through passes/tackles, though attacking returns less likely.
    *   **Avoid West Ham Defence:** Given their recent form and playing away, clean sheet points are unlikely.

Expect Brighton to dominate the ball, but West Ham will remain dangerous on the counter and from set plays. It could be a close contest, potentially decided by a moment of quality or a defensive lapse, possibly with late drama if West Ham can stay in the game.

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