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**Meta Title:** Brighton vs West Ham Prediction & Preview | EPL Tips (53 chars)
**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions, betting tips & team news for Brighton vs West Ham (26/04/25). Analysis of form, injuries, tactics & likely scoreline at the Amex. (158 chars)

# 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 on **Saturday, April 26th, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (10:00 AM ET)**. This EPL match preview delves into predictions, team news, betting tips, and tactical analysis for a game featuring two sides desperate to halt worrying winless streaks. All eyes will be on the dugout too, as West Ham manager Graham Potter makes his return to the club he previously led with distinction.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline: Brighton vs West Ham

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

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Brighton might edge favouritism despite poor form, largely due to home advantage and West Ham's dismal away record. West Ham offer value for an upset.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Brighton have conceded 13 goals in their last 5 PL games, while West Ham's defence has also been leaky (55 conceded overall).
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals. Both teams are defensively vulnerable, suggesting goals are likely.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 40% | Draw: 30% | West Ham Win: 30%

This fixture pits two out-of-form teams against each other. While West Ham secured a 3-1 win in this exact fixture last season, their current away form is dreadful. Brighton's injury crisis is severe, but home support and West Ham's travel woes could see the Seagulls narrowly edge this Premier League contest. Look for value in EPL betting tips focusing on goals.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

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

*   **Form Slump:** Both clubs are struggling significantly. Brighton are winless in five league games (D1 L4), conceding heavily. West Ham are winless in six (D3 L3) and sit 17th in the form table under Graham Potter.
*   **Brighton's Injury Crisis:** The Seagulls are decimated by injuries and suspension. Leading scorer Joao Pedro is banned, while key defender Jan Paul van Hecke suffered a serious head injury last weekend. They are missing numerous other first-team players, particularly in defence.
*   **West Ham's Away Woes:** The Hammers have been poor on the road. All four of their away wins this season came with clean sheets; they haven't won any of their last 15 away games when conceding (D5 L10).
*   **Potter's Return:** Graham Potter returns to the Amex Stadium, where he enjoyed success. However, his West Ham tenure has been difficult (3W-4D-6L since Jan 9), and he lost 4-1 to Brighton in his only previous meeting against them as an opposing manager (with Chelsea).
*   **Managerial Pressure:** Brighton's Fabian Hurzler, the league's youngest manager, faces questions after inconsistent results and recent poor form. Potter is also under scrutiny at West Ham.
*   **Set Pieces:** West Ham possess a significant threat from set-pieces, particularly through James Ward-Prowse's delivery. This could be crucial against a depleted Brighton defence.

**Expected Outcome:** Expect a potentially nervy encounter given the stakes and poor form. Brighton will aim to control possession at home, but their defensive frailties make them vulnerable. West Ham might look to exploit this via counter-attacks led by Bowen and Kudus, or through set plays. Goals seem likely due to defensive errors on both sides.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 5 PL Matches:** L-D-L-L-D
    *   Brentford 4-2 **Brighton** (A) - 19/04
    *   **Brighton** 2-2 Leicester (H) - 12/04
    *   Crystal Palace 2-1 **Brighton** (A) - 05/04
    *   **Brighton** 0-3 Aston Villa (H) - 02/04
    *   Man City 2-2 **Brighton** (A) - 15/03
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **OUT:** Joao Pedro (Suspension), Jan Paul van Hecke (Head), Ferdi Kadioglu (Toe), Georginio Rutter (Ankle), Adam Webster (Thigh), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle), Igor Julio (Hamstring), Joel Veltman (Ankle), Jason Steele (Shoulder), James Milner (Thigh).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Crucial in Pedro's absence. Has 9 PL goals this season (his best return) and needs one more for double figures. Scored 6 career goals vs West Ham (his favourite opponent). Scored last week vs Brentford.
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** Scored against Brentford, provides pace and dribbling threat from the wing.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** The captain's leadership will be vital for a makeshift defence.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 6 PL Matches:** D-L-D-L-D-L
    *   **West Ham** 1-1 Southampton (H) - 19/04
    *   Liverpool 2-1 **West Ham** (A) - 13/04
    *   **West Ham** 2-2 Bournemouth (H) - 05/04
    *   Wolves 1-0 **West Ham** (A) - 01/04
    *   Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (A) - 15/03
    *   **West Ham** 0-1 Newcastle (H) - 10/03
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **OUT:** Evan Ferguson (Loan - Ineligible vs Parent Club), Michail Antonio (Unknown), Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring).
    *   **QUESTIONABLE:** Edson Alvarez (Lower back), Aaron Cresswell (Muscular), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Foot).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains West Ham's primary attacking threat.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus & Lucas Paqueta:** Provide creativity and flair in attacking midfield.
    *   **Niclas Füllkrug:** Has contributed a goal or assist in each of his last three PL starts (1G, 2A). Offers a focal point upfront.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse:** His set-piece delivery is a major weapon.

## Tactical Preview: Potential Formations and Battles

This EPL tactical analysis suggests a clash of styles, albeit with both teams struggling for consistency.

*   **Brighton (Likely 4-2-3-1):**
    *   Fabian Hurzler will likely stick to a possession-heavy approach, aiming to build from the back through Bart Verbruggen and the midfield pivot (likely Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood/Mats Wieffer).
    *   With numerous defensive injuries, expect potential vulnerabilities, especially against pace and set pieces.
    *   Attackingly, they'll rely heavily on Welbeck's movement and finishing, supported by wingers like Mitoma and potentially Yankuba Minteh or Matt O'Riley in the attacking midfield role.
*   **West Ham (Likely 4-2-3-1):**
    *   Graham Potter ideally wants a possession game but hasn't achieved it effectively. They may adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and hitting Brighton on the break.
    *   The midfield duo (potentially Carlos Soler and Ward-Prowse) will be key in shielding the defence and launching attacks.
    *   The attacking trio of Bowen, Kudus, and Paqueta behind Füllkrug offers significant individual quality and goal threat.
    *   Set pieces will be a clear game plan element.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Welbeck vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can the experienced Welbeck exploit gaps against West Ham's likely pairing (Todibo/Kilman predicted)?
    *   **Brighton's Makeshift Defence vs. Bowen/Kudus/Paqueta:** Can Brighton's patched-up backline handle the movement and skill of West Ham's attackers?
    *   **Midfield Control:** The battle between Brighton's pivot and West Ham's central midfielders will be crucial for dictating the tempo.
    *   **Set Pieces:** Ward-Prowse's delivery against Brighton's potentially weakened aerial presence could decide the match.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture sees two teams desperate for a positive result. Brighton are ravaged by injuries and suspension, particularly impacting their defence, and are winless in five. West Ham are winless in six and have been poor away under Graham Potter, who returns to his old stomping ground.

Despite Brighton's woes, West Ham's terrible away form (failing to win in 15 away games when conceding) and the boost of the home crowd might just give the Seagulls the edge. However, defensive errors look probable from both sides.

*   **Key Takeaway:** A match likely defined by poor form, injuries, and potential defensive mistakes.
*   **Prediction Recap:** Brighton 2 – 1 West Ham.
*   **Betting Angles:** Both Teams To Score (Yes), Over 2.5 Goals, Danny Welbeck Anytime Goalscorer.
*   **Fantasy Football (FPL) Tips:** Danny Welbeck (BHA) is a strong pick given form, fixture history, and Pedro's absence. Kaoru Mitoma (BHA) offers differential potential. For West Ham, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are always options, while James Ward-Prowse could provide set-piece returns. Use caution due to overall team form.

**Final Thought:** Expect a close contest, potentially scrappy, where individual quality or a defensive lapse could prove decisive. Don't be surprised if there's late drama at the Amex.