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

**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions, team news & betting tips for Brighton vs West Ham at the Amex (26/04/25). In-depth Premier League match analysis & odds.

# Brighton vs West Ham: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Team News

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 match preview provides expert predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis for the fixture scheduled for **Saturday, April 26, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (3:00 PM UK time)**. Graham Potter makes his return to the Amex, with his West Ham side needing just a point to secure their top-flight status, while Brighton aim to halt a poor run of form.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds (Approximate - via Betfair):** Brighton 8/13, Draw 23/10, West Ham 7/2
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes - Both teams have shown defensive frailties recently. Brighton have conceded 2+ goals in their last five league games, while West Ham conceded a late equaliser against bottom-placed Southampton.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals - While both defences leak goals, West Ham only need a point and may play cautiously. Brighton's attack is blunted by injuries and suspensions.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 40%, Draw: 35%, West Ham Win: 25%

This fixture pits two out-of-form teams against each other. Brighton's significant injury list and Joao Pedro's suspension counteract their home advantage. West Ham need just a point for survival and showed fight, albeit late, against Southampton. A draw seems a likely outcome, potentially suiting the visitors. Look for EPL betting tips favouring a stalemate or Both Teams to Score.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this Premier League encounter:

*   **Team Form:** Both sides are struggling significantly. Brighton are winless in their last five EPL matches (DLDLL), while West Ham are without a victory in their last six (DLLDLD).
*   **Injuries and Suspensions:** Brighton are heavily impacted, missing top scorer Joao Pedro (suspended) and potentially key defender Jan Paul van Hecke, alongside numerous other first-team players. West Ham are without Edson Alvarez and loanee Evan Ferguson (ineligible against his parent club), with doubts over Aaron Cresswell.
*   **Managerial Context:** Graham Potter returns to the Amex Stadium under pressure, having secured only 13 points from 13 games since taking charge of the Hammers. His tactical approach against his former club will be scrutinised. Fabian Hurzler faces challenges managing Brighton's injury crisis and inconsistent performances.
*   **Morale and Motivation:** West Ham's morale took a hit after Niclas Fullkrug's public criticism of the team's motivation following the Southampton draw. However, securing Premier League safety with a point provides clear motivation. Brighton, theoretically pushing for Europe, need a result to lift spirits but face significant personnel issues.
*   **Home vs. Away Dynamics:** Brighton typically perform better at the Amex, but West Ham won this exact fixture 3-1 last season. West Ham's away form is poor; their four away wins this season were all achieved without conceding.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** Expect a cagey match, particularly early on. West Ham might adopt a more defensive posture knowing a draw suffices. Brighton will likely dominate possession but could struggle to break down a potentially deep-lying defence without key attackers. The key factors point towards a close contest, potentially decided by individual moments or set pieces.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 5 PL Matches:** L-D-L-L-D (Most recent: 4-2 Loss vs Brentford)
*   **League Position:** 10th
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: Joao Pedro (Suspended), Ferdi Kadioglu (Toe), James Milner (Thigh), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle), Joel Veltman (Ankle), Georginio Rutter (Ankle), Adam Webster (Thigh), Igor Julio (Hamstring), Jason Steele (Shoulder)
    *   DOUBTFUL: Jan Paul van Hecke (Head)
*   **Key Player:** **Danny Welbeck:** With Joao Pedro out, the veteran striker carries the goalscoring burden. He has 9 Premier League goals this season (his best PL return is 9) and boasts an excellent record against West Ham, scoring 6 top-flight goals against them – more than any other opponent.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 6 PL Matches:** D-L-D-L-D-L (Most recent: 1-1 Draw vs Southampton)
*   **League Position:** 17th
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: Edson Alvarez (Back), Michail Antonio (Unknown), Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring), Evan Ferguson (Ineligible - Loan)
    *   DOUBTFUL: Aaron Cresswell (Muscle), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Toe - may return to squad)
*   **Key Player:** **Niclas Fullkrug:** Despite his recent controversial comments, the German striker has contributed a goal or assist in each of his last three PL starts. His aerial presence and finishing could be vital, especially from set pieces delivered by James Ward-Prowse. Bowen and Paqueta remain crucial creative outlets.

## Tactical Preview

*   **Brighton Approach:** Fabian Hurzler is expected to stick with a possession-heavy approach, likely in a 4-2-3-1 formation. They will aim to build from the back, utilising midfielders like Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood to control the tempo. Without Pedro, creativity might come from Kaoru Mitoma (if fit and selected) and the directness of players like Yankuba Minteh, supporting Danny Welbeck. Their defensive structure has been leaky, conceding 13 goals in their last 5 games.
*   **West Ham Approach:** Graham Potter faces a tactical decision. He could revert to a 3-5-2 formation for more defensive solidity, using wing-backs for width, or stick with a 4-2-3-1. Given they only need a point, a more pragmatic, counter-attacking style seems probable. Key tactical elements will be James Ward-Prowse's set-piece delivery and utilising the pace and skill of Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta on the break, with Fullkrug providing a focal point.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Welbeck vs West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can Welbeck find space against the likes of Todibo, Mavropanos, or Kilman?
    *   **Brighton Midfield vs West Ham Midfield:** The battle for control between Brighton's possession players and West Ham's trio (likely Paqueta, Kudus, Ward-Prowse/Soler) will be crucial.
    *   **Bowen vs Brighton Full-Back:** Jarrod Bowen cutting inside onto his left foot poses a constant threat that Brighton's left-back (likely Estupinan) must nullify.

This EPL tactical analysis suggests Brighton will have more of the ball, but West Ham might be content to absorb pressure and hit on the counter or capitalise on dead-ball situations.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture at the Amex presents a clash between two teams desperate for a positive result but hampered by poor form and, particularly for Brighton, injuries. Graham Potter's return adds spice, but the tactical battle might be dictated by West Ham's need for just one point to confirm safety.

*   **Key Takeaway:** Brighton's extensive injury list, coupled with West Ham's pragmatic need for a draw, points towards a low-scoring affair or a score draw (1-1).
*   **Betting Angles:** The Draw (23/10) and Both Teams To Score (Yes) look like viable options. Danny Welbeck Anytime Goalscorer could also offer value given his record vs West Ham and Pedro's absence.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   Consider **Danny Welbeck (BHA)** as a differential striker pick.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse (WHU)** remains a threat for assists from set pieces.
    *   **Jarrod Bowen (WHU)** is often involved in West Ham's goals.
    *   Avoid defenders from both teams given recent form.

**Final Prediction:** Expect a tense match where neither side wants to give much away. Brighton's injuries may prevent them from capitalising on home advantage, while West Ham could achieve their survival goal with a hard-fought point. A 1-1 draw feels the most probable outcome in this EPL encounter.