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

**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions & betting tips for Brighton vs West Ham (Apr 26). Analysis of form, injuries, tactics & likely scoreline at the Amex Stadium.

# Brighton vs West Ham: Premier League Clash at the Amex - Preview & Predictions

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League encounter as Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United at The American Express Community Stadium. This mid-table battle kicks off on **Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 14:00 GMT**. Both the Seagulls and the Hammers are desperate for points after enduring difficult runs of form, making this EPL fixture vital for momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Read on for our full football match preview, EPL predictions, and betting insights.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Both teams are struggling for wins. Brighton's home advantage is countered by poor form and key absences. West Ham have drawn three of their last five. The **Draw** looks like a strong possibility.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Brighton conceded four last time out and have kept few clean sheets recently. West Ham scored and conceded in their last match.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals. Neither side is prolific, and a potentially cagey affair between two out-of-form teams could limit scoring opportunities.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 35% | Draw: 40% | West Ham Win: 25%

*(Note: Odds are indicative; check with bookmakers for current prices. These EPL betting tips are based on current form and available data.)*

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will likely determine the expected EPL outcome at the Amex:

*   **Team Form:** This is paramount. Brighton are winless in their last six Premier League matches (D2, L4), including a damaging 4-2 defeat last weekend. West Ham are also without a victory in their last five EPL outings (D3, L2). Confidence could be fragile in both camps.
*   **Brighton's Absences:** The Seagulls face significant personnel issues.
    *   **Joao Pedro Suspension:** The influential attacker is suspended following his red card for violent conduct against Brentford. His absence blunts Brighton's attack.
    *   **Jan Paul van Hecke Injury:** The defender suffered a serious head injury late in the Brentford match, requiring oxygen and a stretcher. He is highly unlikely to feature due to concussion protocols and the severity of the incident.
*   **Defensive Frailties:** Brighton's defence looked vulnerable against Brentford, conceding four goals, with individual errors and deflections proving costly. West Ham will look to exploit any lingering uncertainty.
*   **Managerial Pressure:** Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler faced fan criticism for substitutions in the last match and acknowledged his team are making "too many individual mistakes." West Ham will aim to capitalise on any tactical indecision.
*   **Home vs. Away:** Brighton have the Amex Stadium advantage, but their recent home form is poor (D1, L1 in last two PL home games vs Leicester and Aston Villa). West Ham have drawn two of their last three away league games.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 5 PL Results:** L (2-4 vs Brentford A), D (2-2 vs Leicester H), L (1-2 vs Crystal Palace A), L (0-3 vs Aston Villa H), D (2-2 vs Man City A)
*   **Form Summary:** Winless in six Premier League games (D2, L4). Conceded 13 goals in their last 5 matches.
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Joao Pedro (Suspended)
    *   Jan Paul van Hecke (Highly Doubtful - Head Injury)
    *   Check closer to matchday for other potential fitness issues (e.g. Solly March status).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** Scored off the bench against Brentford after returning from injury. His dribbling and directness could be crucial in Pedro's absence.
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Scored Brighton's first goal last weekend (his 9th of the season). Provides experience and a focal point up front.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** The captain's leadership is vital, but he needs a commanding performance after being involved in two deflected goals conceded against Brentford.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 5 PL Results:** D (1-1 vs Southampton H), L (1-2 vs Liverpool A), D (2-2 vs Bournemouth H), L (0-1 vs Wolves A), D (1-1 vs Everton A)
*   **Form Summary:** Winless in five Premier League games (D3, L2). Have shown resilience to pick up draws but struggle to secure wins.
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** Specific team news for West Ham is not detailed in the provided data. Check reliable sources closer to kickoff for updates.
*   **Key Players:**
    *   West Ham will rely on their established **attacking threats** (e.g., Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus - if fit and playing) to test Brighton's potentially weakened defence.
    *   The **midfield battle** will be key; West Ham's central players need to disrupt Brighton's build-up play.
    *   Their **defensive organisation** will be tested, but they'll aim to be more solid than Brighton were last week.

## Tactical Preview

*   **Brighton Approach:** Expect Fabian Hürzeler to stick to his possession-based principles, likely in a **4-2-3-1 formation**. They will aim to build from the back, but need to eliminate the costly individual errors seen recently. Without Pedro, creativity may rely more heavily on wingers like Mitoma and potentially finding Welbeck effectively. Their defensive setup, especially potentially missing Van Hecke alongside Dunk, will be under scrutiny.
*   **West Ham Approach:** The Hammers might adopt a more pragmatic approach away from home. A **4-2-3-1** or similar structured formation is likely. They could look to stay compact, frustrate Brighton's possession game, and exploit turnovers or set-piece opportunities. Counter-attacking speed could be a key weapon against a Brighton side that can be caught high up the pitch.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Mitoma vs. West Ham Right-Back:** Can the Japanese winger provide the spark Brighton need?
    *   **Brighton's Centre-Backs vs. West Ham Striker:** How will Brighton's likely reshuffled central defence cope?
    *   **Midfield Control:** Which team can gain dominance in the middle third to dictate the tempo?

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture pits two teams against each other who are desperately searching for form. Brighton's significant absences (Pedro suspended, Van Hecke injured) and recent defensive woes make them vulnerable, even at home. West Ham haven't been winning but have been harder to beat lately, grinding out draws.

*   **Prediction Recap:** A **1-1 draw** seems the most probable outcome, reflecting both teams' struggles.
*   **Betting Angles:** Consider the **Draw**, **Both Teams To Score (Yes)**, and **Under 2.5 Goals**.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma (BRI):** Potential differential if he starts, showed goal threat on return.
    *   **Danny Welbeck (BRI):** Likely starter and Brighton's main goal threat currently.
    *   **Avoid Brighton Defence:** Given recent form and injuries, clean sheets look unlikely.
    *   Consider West Ham's primary **attacking midfielder or forward** if they have a favourable matchup.

Expect a tense, potentially nervy contest at the Amex. Neither side can afford another loss, which could lead to a cautious game, possibly decided by a single moment of quality or, given recent trends, another defensive mistake.