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

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

# Brighton vs West Ham: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips (26/04/2025)

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 sides are desperate for points after recent struggles, making this EPL fixture vital for momentum heading into the season's final stretch. Read on for our full football analysis, EPL predictions, and betting insights.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

This fixture pits two out-of-form teams against each other. Brighton's home advantage is tempered by significant absences and a poor run, while West Ham haven't secured a win in their last six Premier League outings. A tight, cagey affair seems likely, potentially ending honours even.

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Match Winner Odds (Approx):** Brighton Win (40%), Draw (30%), West Ham Win (30%) - *Odds reflect Brighton's home advantage slightly offset by poor form and injuries.*
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes - Both teams have shown defensive frailties recently.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals - Brighton are missing a key attacker, and West Ham have struggled for goals away from home.

*(Note: Odds are illustrative estimates and subject to change. Always check with bookmakers for current odds).*

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key elements will likely shape this Premier League contest:

*   **Team Form:** Both Brighton and West Ham are enduring difficult spells. Brighton have won just once in their last six EPL matches (W1, D2, L3), while West Ham are winless in six (D3, L3). Morale could be fragile in both camps.
*   **Brighton's Absences:** The Seagulls face significant disruption.
    *   **Joao Pedro Suspension:** The Brazilian attacker received a straight red card against Brentford for violent conduct and will miss this crucial match (and the next two). His absence blunts Brighton's attack, removing a player capable of moments of brilliance, despite recent criticism of his consistency and discipline (Articles 1, 2, 12, 13).
    *   **Jan Paul van Hecke Injury:** The Dutch defender suffered a serious head injury late in the Brentford game, requiring oxygen and being stretchered off (Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15). Although discharged from hospital, his participation is highly doubtful under concussion protocols, weakening Brighton's defence.
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** Brighton typically perform better at the Amex, but their recent home form includes damaging losses and draws (0-3 vs Villa, 2-2 vs Leicester). West Ham's away form is traditionally poor, and they haven't won on the road since early March (1-0 loss at Wolves, 1-1 draw at Everton, 2-1 loss at Liverpool).
*   **Managerial Strategies:** Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton) faces the challenge of adapting his system without key players. He needs to find a way to reignite Brighton's attack and shore up a potentially makeshift defence. The West Ham manager (often pragmatic) will likely set up to be solid defensively and exploit set-pieces or counter-attacks.
*   **European Hopes Fading:** Brighton's recent slump has severely dented any lingering hopes of European qualification (Articles 8, 9, 12, 13), potentially impacting motivation.

**Expected Outcome:** A tense match where neither side wants to lose further ground. Expect Brighton to dominate possession but struggle to break down a potentially stubborn West Ham defence without Pedro. West Ham might look to frustrate and hit on the break. A draw seems a probable expected EPL outcome.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 6 EPL Results:** L, D, L, L, D, W
    *   Brentford 4-2 **Brighton** (A) - 19/04/25
    *   **Brighton** 2-2 Leicester (H) - 12/04/25
    *   Crystal Palace 2-1 **Brighton** (A) - 05/04/25
    *   **Brighton** 0-3 Aston Villa (H) - 02/04/25
    *   Man City 2-2 **Brighton** (A) - 15/03/25
    *   **Brighton** 2-1 Fulham (H) - 08/03/25
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Joao Pedro (Suspended - Red Card)
    *   Jan Paul van Hecke (Highly Doubtful - Head Injury/Concussion Protocol)
    *   *Check pre-match press conferences for further updates.*
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Scored against Brentford (Article 1/2, 8/9). The veteran striker (34) will likely lead the line in Pedro's absence. Crucial for holding up play and finding the net.
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** Scored off the bench vs Brentford (Article 8/9). Likely to start and provides a direct dribbling threat from the wing.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** Captain and defensive leader. Needs a strong performance after unfortunate deflections contributed to goals conceded against Brentford (Article 12/13).

### West Ham United

*   **Last 6 EPL Results:** D, L, D, L, D, L
    *   **West Ham** 1-1 Southampton (H) - 19/04/25
    *   Liverpool 2-1 **West Ham** (A) - 13/04/25
    *   **West Ham** 2-2 Bournemouth (H) - 05/04/25
    *   Wolves 1-0 **West Ham** (A) - 01/04/25
    *   Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (A) - 15/03/25
    *   **West Ham** 0-1 Newcastle (H) - 10/03/25
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   *No major new issues reported in the provided text, but always check closer to kick-off.*
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** (Assuming fit) West Ham's primary goal threat, pacey and direct from the wing or centrally.
    *   **Lucas Paqueta:** (Assuming fit) The creative hub in midfield, capable of unlocking defences.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse:** Set-piece specialist, always a danger from free-kicks and corners.

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

## Tactical Preview

*   **Brighton Approach:** Expect Fabian Hurzeler's side to stick to their principles of building from the back and controlling possession, likely in a 4-2-3-1 or similar formation. The challenge will be penetration without Joao Pedro. They may rely more heavily on wing play through Mitoma and others. Defensively, replacing Van Hecke could mean a less assured presence alongside Dunk, potentially impacting their ability to play a high line.
*   **West Ham Approach:** The Hammers are likely to adopt a more pragmatic approach, especially away from home. Expect a solid defensive block (potentially a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3) aiming to frustrate Brighton and deny space. They will look to be dangerous on the counter-attack, utilising the pace of players like Bowen, and will pose a significant threat from set-pieces delivered by Ward-Prowse.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Brighton's Build-up vs. West Ham's Midfield Block:** Can Brighton play through the lines effectively without Pedro dropping deep or making runs?
    *   **Mitoma vs. West Ham Right-Back:** A crucial duel where Brighton will hope their winger can create chances.
    *   **Welbeck vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can the veteran find space and link play effectively?
    *   **Set Pieces:** Brighton's defence (potentially weakened) against West Ham's delivery prowess.

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## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture brings together two teams struggling for form and confidence. Brighton's home advantage is significantly undermined by the suspension of Joao Pedro and the likely absence of key defender Jan Paul van Hecke following his worrying head injury. West Ham are winless in six but have picked up draws in three of their last four EPL games.

Given the circumstances, a **1-1 draw** feels like the most probable outcome. Brighton may dominate the ball but lack the cutting edge, while West Ham could nick a goal from a set-piece or counter but struggle to secure all three points on the road.

**Key Takeaways & Betting Angles:**

*   **Prediction:** Brighton 1-1 West Ham.
*   **Betting:** Consider the Draw, Under 2.5 Goals, and potentially Both Teams To Score (Yes).
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Consider:** Kaoru Mitoma (BHA) - Likely starter, scored last game, main creative outlet. Danny Welbeck (BHA) - Should lead the line, potential for goals/assists.
    *   **Avoid/Caution:** Brighton Defence - Van Hecke absence, recent goals conceded. Joao Pedro (BHA) - Suspended.

Expect a potentially nervy contest at the Amex, where both teams will be desperate to avoid defeat. A moment of quality or a defensive error could prove decisive in this tightly poised EPL clash.

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