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**Meta Title:** Brighton vs West Ham: EPL Preview, Tips & Prediction (Apr 26)

**Meta Description:** Expert Premier League preview for Brighton vs West Ham (Apr 26). Get score predictions, EPL betting tips, team news, injury updates & tactical analysis.

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

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League (EPL) encounter as Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United at The American Express Community Stadium. This late-season clash kicks off on **Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 14:00 GMT**. Both sides are desperate to return to winning ways after enduring difficult runs of form, making this a potentially tense fixture on the south coast. Read on for our full football preview, EPL predictions, and betting tips.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

This fixture pits two teams struggling for Premier League points against each other. Brighton's defensive frailties have been exposed recently, while West Ham haven't found consistent goalscoring form. Given both teams' winless streaks and Brighton's home advantage potentially being negated by injuries and low confidence, a score draw seems a likely outcome.

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Odds are likely to be tight, reflecting the teams' similar poor form. The draw may offer value.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Brighton have conceded 13 goals in their last 5 EPL games, while West Ham have scored in 3 of their last 5. Defensive errors could lead to goals at both ends.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals. While BTTS is possible, both teams might adopt a cautious approach given their recent results.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):**
    *   Brighton Win: 35%
    *   Draw: 40%
    *   West Ham Win: 25%

*(Note: Odds and probabilities are estimates and subject to change. Always gamble responsibly.)*

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key elements will likely shape this Premier League contest:

*   **Recent Form:** Both Brighton and West Ham enter this match winless in their last five EPL games (D2, L3 for Brighton; D3, L2 for West Ham). This lack of momentum is a significant factor.
*   **Brighton's Defensive Crisis:** The Seagulls have been leaking goals, conceding 13 in their last five league matches. The serious head injury to key defender **Jan Paul van Hecke** against Brentford exacerbates an already problematic injury list at the back.
*   **West Ham's Inconsistency:** The Hammers have struggled to build momentum, drawing three of their last five but failing to secure a victory. Their attack hasn't fired consistently, and loanee **Evan Ferguson** has had limited impact.
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** Brighton typically benefit from playing at the Amex, but their recent home form has been poor (winless since December according to pre-Brentford reports). West Ham need to overcome their own travel struggles.
*   **Managerial Strategies:** Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler favours a progressive, possession-based style, which can be risky with a depleted defence. West Ham are likely to be more pragmatic, potentially looking to exploit Brighton on the counter-attack.
*   **Morale:** Confidence is likely fragile in both camps after extended winless runs.

**Expected Outcome:** Expect a cagey affair, potentially lacking in free-flowing football due to low confidence. Individual errors or moments of quality, perhaps from set-pieces (a West Ham strength via James Ward-Prowse or a Joao Pedro penalty for Brighton), could prove decisive. A draw feels like the most probable result between two evenly matched, out-of-sorts teams.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 5 EPL Matches:** L-D-L-L-D
    *   Brentford 4-2 **Brighton** (A) - April 19
    *   **Brighton** 2-2 Leicester (H) - April 12
    *   Crystal Palace 2-1 **Brighton** (A) - April 5
    *   **Brighton** 0-3 Aston Villa (H) - April 2
    *   Man City 2-2 **Brighton** (A) - March 15
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **Jan Paul van Hecke (CB):** Suffered a serious head injury vs Brentford, highly doubtful (concussion protocols).
    *   *Potential Absentees (Based on pre-Brentford reports, confirmation needed):* Adam Webster (thigh), Tariq Lamptey (ankle), Igor Julio (hamstring), Joel Veltman (ankle), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Jason Steele (shoulder), James Milner (thigh). Kaoru Mitoma's availability after a recent heel issue should be monitored.
*   **Key Player:** **Joao Pedro (FW):** Brighton's primary goal threat, often reliable from the penalty spot (scored 10 PL goals before the Brentford game). His creativity and finishing will be vital.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 5 EPL Matches:** D-L-D-L-D
    *   **West Ham** 1-1 Southampton (H) - April 19
    *   Liverpool 2-1 **West Ham** (A) - April 13
    *   **West Ham** 2-2 Bournemouth (H) - April 5
    *   Wolves 1-0 **West Ham** (A) - April 1
    *   Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (A) - March 15
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** Specific injury news for West Ham wasn't detailed in the provided articles, but updates closer to the match are crucial.
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen (FW/MF):** If fit, West Ham's talisman provides pace, directness, and goals.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse (MF):** A major threat from set-pieces and provides midfield control.
    *   **Evan Ferguson (ST - on loan from Brighton):** Has struggled for starts and impact since his loan move (1 start, 5 sub apps as of mid-April). Unlikely to start based on recent form.

Keywords: Brighton latest form, West Ham injury updates, Premier League player stats, Jan Paul van Hecke injury, Joao Pedro goals, Evan Ferguson West Ham, James Ward-Prowse assists.

## Tactical Preview

This match presents an interesting clash of styles, albeit between two teams struggling for rhythm.

*   **Brighton's Approach (Likely 4-2-3-1 / 3-4-2-1):**
    *   Expect Fabian Hurzeler's side to dominate possession and build patiently from the back.
    *   Full-backs will push high to provide width.
    *   Midfielders like Carlos Baleba or Yasin Ayari will aim to control the tempo.
    *   **Vulnerability:** Their high line and commitment to playing out can leave them exposed to counter-attacks, a significant concern given their defensive injury crisis.
*   **West Ham's Approach (Likely 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3):**
    *   The Hammers will likely adopt a more conservative stance, focusing on defensive solidity.
    *   They'll look to absorb pressure and hit Brighton quickly on the break, utilising the pace of players like Bowen or Kudus (if available).
    *   Set-pieces will be a key weapon, targeting Brighton's potentially makeshift defence.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Midfield Control:** Can Brighton's possession game bypass the likely industrious West Ham midfield pairing (e.g., Soucek/Ward-Prowse)?
    *   **Brighton Defence vs. West Ham Counter:** How will Brighton's depleted backline cope with West Ham's pace in transition?
    *   **Joao Pedro vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can Brighton's main attacker find space against West Ham's central defenders?

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## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture sees two sides desperate to halt alarming winless streaks. Brighton's attractive football philosophy is being undermined by significant defensive injuries and poor form, particularly highlighted by the recent 4-2 defeat and Jan Paul van Hecke's injury. West Ham are proving difficult to beat but are equally finding wins hard to come by.

*   **Prediction Recap:** A 1-1 draw seems the most plausible outcome, reflecting both teams' struggles.
*   **Key Betting Angles:** Both Teams To Score (Yes) holds appeal due to Brighton's leaky defence. The Draw offers potential value.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Joao Pedro (BHA):** Remains Brighton's most likely source of points, especially if penalties are awarded.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse (WHU):** Always a threat for assists or goals from set plays.
    *   *Caution:* Given the form of both teams, investing heavily in players from this fixture carries risk.

**Final Thought:** Expect a close contest where nerves could play a part. While Brighton have home advantage, their defensive issues make them vulnerable. West Ham's pragmatism might see them frustrate the hosts, leading to a share of the spoils in this crucial EPL soccer match.