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**Meta Title:** Brighton vs West Ham Preview: EPL Prediction & Tips (26/04)

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL predictions & betting tips for Brighton vs West Ham (26/04/25). Analysis, team news, form guide & score prediction for this Premier League clash at the Amex.

# 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 mid-table clash, scheduled for **Saturday, 26th April 2025, at 14:00 GMT (2:00 PM UK time)**, sees two teams desperate to halt worrying slides in form. Read on for our full EPL match preview, including score predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

This fixture pits two out-of-form sides against each other. Brighton's home advantage at the Amex is usually significant, but their recent performances, coupled with key absences, temper expectations. West Ham have also struggled for wins but possess the quality to trouble the Seagulls. A hard-fought draw seems the most probable outcome.

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds (Approx):** Brighton (Slight Fav), Draw, West Ham
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes – Brighton concede frequently, West Ham have attacking threats.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals – Both teams have lacked consistent cutting edge recently.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):**
    *   Brighton Win: 38%
    *   Draw: 35%
    *   West Ham Win: 27%

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

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will likely shape this Premier League contest:

*   **Team Form:** Both Brighton and West Ham enter this game in dismal form. Brighton are winless in their last six EPL matches (D2, L4), while West Ham are winless in their last six (D3, L3). Confidence could be fragile in both camps.
*   **Brighton's Absences:** The Seagulls face significant disruption.
    *   **Jan Paul van Hecke:** Suffered a serious head injury against Brentford. Although discharged from hospital, his participation is highly doubtful under concussion protocols. His absence weakens their defence significantly.
    *   **Joao Pedro:** Suspended following his red card for violent conduct against Brentford. Losing a key attacker impacts their creativity and goal threat.
*   **Home vs. Away:** Brighton typically perform better at the Amex Stadium. However, their recent home form includes damaging losses and draws (0-3 vs Villa, 2-2 vs Leicester, 1-1 vs Southampton). West Ham's away form has also been poor, failing to win on the road in the league since early March.
*   **Managerial Strategies:** Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton will likely stick to their possession-based approach but need to find solutions without Pedro and potentially Van Hecke. West Ham, likely under David Moyes' typical pragmatic style (or his successor's), will aim to be solid defensively and exploit Brighton's vulnerabilities on the counter-attack and via set-pieces.
*   **Morale & Pressure:** Brighton's heavy defeat, key injury, red card, and reported fan dissent against Brentford could impact morale. West Ham also need a result to lift spirits after a winless run.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** Expect a cagey affair, potentially low on quality given recent form and Brighton's key absentees. Neither side can afford another defeat, which could lead to a cautious approach. A draw looks a strong possibility.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 6 EPL Matches:** L-D-L-L-D-W
*   **Most Recent Result:** Lost 4-2 away to Brentford (19/04/25). Conceded early, equalised, but fell apart early in the second half, compounded by Pedro's red card. Goals from Welbeck and Mitoma were mere consolations.
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Jan Paul van Hecke (Head - Highly Doubtful/Out)
    *   Joao Pedro (Suspended - Out)
    *   *(Other potential injuries/doubts to be confirmed closer to matchday)*
*   **Key Players to Watch:**
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** Scored off the bench vs Brentford; his dribbling ability will be crucial without Pedro.
    *   **Pascal Groß:** Remains the creative hub in midfield; his set-piece delivery and passing are vital.
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Scored against Brentford; his experience will be needed upfront.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 6 EPL Matches:** D-L-D-L-D-L
*   **Most Recent Result:** Drew 1-1 at home to Southampton (19/04/25). Followed a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Liverpool (13/04/25). Struggling to convert chances into wins.
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   *(Assume key players available unless late news emerges - check closer to kick-off)*
*   **Key Players to Watch:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains West Ham's primary goal threat with his pace, directness, and finishing ability.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus:** Offers flair and unpredictability; capable of unlocking defences.
    *   **Edson Álvarez/Tomáš Souček:** The midfield battle will be key; their physicality and ball-winning ability are important for the Hammers' structure.

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## Tactical Preview

This match presents an interesting tactical contrast, complicated by Brighton's personnel issues.

*   **Brighton's Likely Approach:**
    *   **Formation:** Potentially a 4-2-3-1 or sticking with a variation of 3-4-3. Hürzeler prioritises building from the back and controlling possession.
    *   **Style:** They will try to dominate the ball, using intricate passing patterns to break down West Ham's defence. Without Van Hecke, their build-up play and defensive stability might be compromised. Finding creativity without Pedro is the main challenge. Expect wide players like Mitoma (if starting) to be key outlets.
*   **West Ham's Likely Approach:**
    *   **Formation:** Likely a 4-2-3-1 or a more defensive 4-3-3.
    *   **Style:** Expect West Ham to be organised, sit relatively deep, and look to frustrate Brighton. They will aim to win the ball back and transition quickly, utilising the pace of Bowen and Kudus on the counter. Set pieces will be a significant weapon against a potentially makeshift Brighton defence.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Brighton Midfield vs. West Ham Midfield:** Can Groß and partners dictate play, or will Álvarez/Souček disrupt their rhythm?
    *   **Bowen/Kudus vs. Brighton Full-backs/Wing-backs:** West Ham's biggest threat lies out wide. Can Brighton contain them?
    *   **Brighton's Makeshift Defence vs. West Ham Attack:** How Brighton cope defensively without Van Hecke (likely) will be crucial. Can West Ham exploit any uncertainty?

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## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture brings together two teams desperately seeking a positive result amidst poor runs of form. Brighton's significant injury (Van Hecke) and suspension (Pedro) issues severely hamper them, potentially negating their home advantage against a West Ham side that, while also struggling, possesses individual quality capable of hurting the Seagulls.

*   **Prediction Recap:** A 1-1 draw appears the most likely outcome, reflecting both teams' recent struggles and Brighton's key absences.
*   **Betting Angles:** Under 2.5 goals looks appealing given both teams' recent attacking output. Both Teams To Score (Yes) also has merit due to Brighton's defensive issues. The Draw offers potential value.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   **Consider:** Kaoru Mitoma (BHA) if starting, Jarrod Bowen (WHU) is always a threat.
    *   **Avoid:** Defenders from both teams might be risky. Joao Pedro (BHA) is suspended. Monitor Van Hecke's (BHA) status – likely out.
*   **Final Thought:** Expect a tense, potentially scrappy encounter at the Amex. Neither side will want to lose, which could lead to a cautious game decided by fine margins or a defensive error.

**Keywords:** *Brighton vs West Ham summary, EPL key takeaways, Fantasy Premier League tips, FPL picks, Premier League match prediction.*