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

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

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

Get ready for a crucial English Premier League clash as Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United at The American Express Community Stadium. This EPL fixture kicks off on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 14:00 GMT (3:00 PM UK time). Brighton are chasing European qualification under Fabian Hurzeler, while Graham Potter's West Ham look to salvage pride from a disappointing campaign. This Premier League match preview offers predictions, team news, tactical analysis, and EPL betting tips.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Brighton 2 – 1 West Ham

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds (Estimated):** Brighton slightly favoured due to home advantage despite recent form. West Ham are outsiders given their struggles.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes – Brighton have conceded 2+ goals in their last five league games, while West Ham possess attacking threats.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 – Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, suggesting goals are likely.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 45%, Draw: 30%, West Ham Win: 25%

This match offers interesting Premier League predictions and score predictions. While Brighton's form is patchy, West Ham's is worse, and the AMEX factor could be decisive. Consider a **Brighton Win or Draw (Double Chance)** as a safer EPL betting tip, aligning with insights suggesting Brighton should avoid defeat.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this EPL encounter:

*   **Form:** Both teams are struggling. Brighton have lost three of their last four Premier League games (D1), conceding frequently. West Ham are winless in their last six (D3 L3) and look disjointed under Potter.
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** Brighton rely on their home form at the AMEX. West Ham's away record is poor; all four away wins this season were to nil, and they haven't won any of their last 15 on the road when conceding (D5 L10).
*   **Managerial Pressure & Tactics:** Fabian Hurzeler aims for a possession-based style, while Graham Potter's return to his former club adds intrigue. Potter wants a similar style for West Ham but admits they aren't executing it. His only previous PL game against Brighton as a manager ended in a 4-1 defeat (with Chelsea).
*   **Injuries and Suspensions:** Brighton face a significant injury crisis, particularly in defence, and will miss the suspended Joao Pedro. West Ham also have several key players unavailable or questionable.
*   **Motivation:** Brighton are still mathematically in the hunt for a UEFA Europa Conference League spot, providing strong motivation. West Ham, sitting 17th but safe, are playing mainly for pride and potentially Potter's future.

The expected EPL outcome leans towards a competitive match where Brighton's home advantage and greater motivation edge out a struggling West Ham side hampered by injuries and poor form.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Recent Form (Last 6 PL):** L-D-L-L-D-W (Brentford 4-2 L, Leicester 2-2 D, Crystal Palace 2-1 L, Aston Villa 3-0 L, Man City 2-2 D, Fulham 2-1 W) - Patchy form with defensive concerns, shipping 2+ goals in their last five league matches.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:**
    *   **Unavailable:** Joao Pedro (Suspended), Webster (Injured), Igor (Injured), Veltman (Injured), Lamptey (Injured), Kadioglu (Injured), Milner (Injured), Rutter (Injured).
    *   **Questionable:** Van Hecke (Head Injury - stretchered off vs Brentford).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Leading the line effectively (9 goals, 4 assists - best PL return). Crucially, he has scored 6 career PL goals against West Ham, his favourite opponent. Nearing his first 10-goal PL season.
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** Scored after coming on vs Brentford, offers pace and trickery out wide.
    *   **Matt O'Riley / Yankuba Minteh:** Provide creativity and attacking support from midfield/wings.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** Captain and defensive organiser, crucial given the injuries.

### West Ham United

*   **Recent Form (Last 6 PL):** D-L-D-L-D-L (Southampton 1-1 D, Liverpool 2-1 L, Bournemouth 2-2 D, Wolves 1-0 L, Everton 1-1 D, Newcastle 1-0 L) - Winless in six, struggling for goals and consistency.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:**
    *   **Unavailable:** Summerville (Injured), Antonio (Injured), Ferguson (Ineligible).
    *   **Questionable:** Wan-Bissaka (Injured), Cresswell (Injured), Alvarez (Injured).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Niclas Füllkrug:** German striker in decent form, scoring or assisting in his last three PL starts (averaging a goal involvement every 108 minutes).
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains the Hammers' primary attacking threat.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus & Lucas Paqueta:** Offer flair and creativity, capable of unlocking defences.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse:** Set-piece specialist and midfield engine.

## Tactical Preview

This EPL tactical analysis suggests a clash of similar intended styles, though execution differs:

*   **Likely Formations:** Both Brighton and West Ham are expected to line up in a **4-2-3-1 formation**.
*   **Styles of Play:**
    *   **Brighton:** Will aim to dominate possession, build from the back under Hurzeler, and utilise width through players like Mitoma. Their high press can be effective but leaves them vulnerable defensively.
    *   **West Ham:** Potter desires possession football but the team is struggling to implement it. They may adopt a more pragmatic approach, looking to exploit Brighton's defensive gaps on the counter-attack, leveraging the pace and skill of Bowen and Kudus.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Welbeck vs. West Ham Centre-Backs (Todibo/Kilman):** Can the veteran striker exploit West Ham's defence with his movement and finishing?
    *   **Brighton Midfield (Baleba/Hinshelwood) vs. West Ham Midfield (Soler/Ward-Prowse):** Control of the central areas will be vital for dictating the tempo.
    *   **Mitoma vs. Coufal:** A key duel on Brighton's left flank.
    *   **Bowen vs. Estupinan:** West Ham will look to get Bowen isolated against Brighton's attacking left-back.

Expect Brighton to have more of the ball, but West Ham could pose a threat if they can transition quickly and effectively. Possession strategies vs. counter-attacking potential will define the flow.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture pits a Brighton side needing points for Europe against a West Ham team enduring a torrid run under Graham Potter. Despite Brighton's own inconsistencies and significant injury list, their home advantage and Welbeck's form give them the edge. West Ham's inability to win on the road when conceding is a major concern for the visitors.

*   **Key Takeaway:** Brighton's motivation and home form should see them through, but their defensive frailties make a clean sheet unlikely.
*   **Betting Angle:** Brighton Win or Draw (Double Chance) looks solid. Both Teams To Score (BTTS) also holds appeal.
*   **Fantasy Football Tip:** **Danny Welbeck (Brighton)** is a strong pick given his recent form and excellent record against West Ham. **Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham)** could be a differential if confirmed fit and starting, based on his recent goal involvements.

**Final Prediction:** Expect a close contest, potentially nervy given both teams' form. Brighton's attacking quality, spearheaded by Welbeck, might just be enough to secure a narrow victory against a struggling Hammers outfit.