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**Meta Title:** Brighton vs West Ham Preview: EPL Prediction & Tips (26/04/25)

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL pre-match analysis for Brighton vs West Ham (26/04/25). Get predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical insights for this Premier League clash.

# 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 (15:00 BST)**. We delve into the form, tactics, and key players to provide expert EPL predictions and betting insights for this intriguing football fixture. Can Brighton halt their slide, or will the Hammers pile on the misery?

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

Based on current form and team news, this looks set to be a closely contested match, potentially low on goals given Brighton's struggles and West Ham's recent solidity.

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

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** The odds might slightly favour Brighton due to home advantage, but West Ham's recent form makes the draw or an away win appealing.
    *   **Brighton Win Probability:** 35%
    *   **Draw Probability:** 35%
    *   **West Ham Win Probability:** 30%
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Brighton conceded heavily last time out but scored twice, while West Ham have found the net consistently, if not prolifically.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals. Brighton's attack will be blunted without Joao Pedro, and West Ham haven't been involved in many high-scoring games recently.

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several elements will likely dictate the flow and result of this Premier League match:

*   **Brighton's Form & Morale:** The Seagulls are in a significant slump, winless in their last six Premier League matches (D3, L3). Conceding four goals and suffering a red card against Brentford highlights their current fragility and disciplinary issues. Morale could be low, with fans reportedly showing dissent towards manager Fabian Hürzeler.
*   **Key Absences for Brighton:**
    *   **Joao Pedro:** Suspended following his red card for violent conduct against Brentford. A major blow to their attacking threat.
    *   **Jan Paul van Hecke:** Highly doubtful after sustaining a serious head injury requiring hospital treatment in the Brentford match. His absence weakens an already leaky defence.
*   **West Ham's Resilience:** The Hammers have shown greater stability recently, losing only one of their last five EPL fixtures (W1, D3, L1). They secured draws against Southampton and Bournemouth, indicating a level of defensive organisation.
*   **Home Advantage vs Away Form:** Brighton need the Amex Stadium to be a fortress, but recent home results (0-3 vs Villa, 2-2 vs Leicester) haven't been convincing. West Ham's away form includes a recent win at Wolves and a draw at Everton, suggesting they can pick up points on the road.
*   **Managerial Tactics:** Hürzeler's possession-based style is under pressure due to poor results and defensive errors. West Ham are likely to adopt a pragmatic, potentially counter-attacking approach, aiming to exploit Brighton's vulnerabilities.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 6 Premier League Matches:** L D L L D L (Includes the 4-2 loss to Brentford)
    *   Apr 19: Brentford 4-2 **Brighton** (A)
    *   Apr 12: **Brighton** 2-2 Leicester (H)
    *   Apr 5: Crystal Palace 2-1 **Brighton** (A)
    *   Apr 2: **Brighton** 0-3 Aston Villa (H)
    *   Mar 15: Man City 2-2 **Brighton** (A)
    *   Mar 8: **Brighton** 2-1 Fulham (H) - *Note: Winless streak started after this game*
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Joao Pedro (Suspended - Red Card)
    *   Jan Paul van Hecke (Head Injury - Doubtful)
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Scored a clever header against Brentford, showing his experience. Crucial for goals in Pedro's absence.
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** Came off the bench to score against Brentford; his dribbling ability could unlock the West Ham defence.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** The captain needs a commanding performance after being involved in two deflected goals conceded last week.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 5 Premier League Matches:** D L D W D
    *   Apr 19: **West Ham** 1-1 Southampton (H)
    *   Apr 13: Liverpool 2-1 **West Ham** (A)
    *   Apr 5: **West Ham** 2-2 Bournemouth (H)
    *   Apr 1: Wolves 0-1 **West Ham** (A)
    *   Mar 15: Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (A)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** (Specific updates not available from provided data, assume relative stability based on consistent recent selections).
*   **Key Players:** While specific recent scorers aren't detailed in the source data, West Ham's strength often lies in their organised defence and ability to transition quickly. Players capable of moments of quality will be key to breaking the deadlock away from home.

*Keywords: Brighton latest form, West Ham recent results, Premier League player stats, Brighton injury updates, West Ham suspensions, Danny Welbeck goals, Kaoru Mitoma form.*

## Tactical Preview

This EPL fixture presents an interesting tactical battle:

*   **Brighton's Approach:** Expect Fabian Hürzeler to stick to his principles of building from the back and controlling possession, despite recent errors (like Verbruggen's misplaced pass leading to a goal vs Brentford). Without Pedro, creativity might suffer. They struggled physically against Brentford and could face similar challenges against a typically robust West Ham side. Likely Formation: Potentially a 4-2-3-1, but could adapt due to absences.
*   **West Ham's Game Plan:** The Hammers will likely set up to be defensively solid, perhaps in a 4-2-3-1 or a variation that allows them to stay compact. They'll look to frustrate Brighton, deny space in central areas, and hit on the counter-attack or utilise set-pieces. Their recent draws suggest a focus on not losing games.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Brighton's Build-up vs West Ham's Press:** Can Brighton play through West Ham's structure without making costly errors?
    *   **Mitoma/Brighton Wingers vs West Ham Full-backs:** Can Brighton find joy out wide to bypass a potentially congested middle?
    *   **Set Pieces:** Both teams can be dangerous from dead balls; this could be crucial in a tight game.

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## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League match pits a struggling Brighton side, hampered by key absences, against a more resilient, if unspectacular, West Ham team. Brighton's desperate need for points and home advantage are countered by their dreadful form and defensive frailties. West Ham's solidity suggests they can take at least a point.

*   **Final Prediction:** Brighton 1 - 1 West Ham.
*   **Key Betting Angles:** Draw, Both Teams To Score (Yes), Under 2.5 Goals.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   Consider **Kaoru Mitoma (BRI)** if starting, given his goal last week and potential as Brighton's main creative outlet.
    *   **Danny Welbeck (BRI)** is a budget forward option who might lead the line.
    *   West Ham defenders could offer value, but an away clean sheet is never guaranteed. Avoid Brighton defenders due to form and Van Hecke's likely absence.

Expect a tense affair at the Amex. Brighton will push for a vital win to stop their slide, but West Ham have the organisation and pragmatism to frustrate them and potentially nick a goal, leading to a likely share of the spoils in this EPL encounter.

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