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

**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions, betting tips, team news & tactical analysis for Brighton vs West Ham at the Amex (26/04/2025). Can Potter avoid defeat vs his old club?

# Potter Returns to Amex: Brighton vs West Ham Premier League Preview

The American Express Community Stadium braces itself for a crucial English Premier League encounter as Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United on **Saturday, April 26, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 GMT (3:00 PM UK time)**. This EPL match preview delves into the predictions, team news, betting tips, and tactical analysis for a game laden with narrative, not least the return of Hammers boss Graham Potter to his former club. With West Ham needing just a point to secure Premier League survival and Brighton's European hopes dwindling, both sides have plenty to play for in this late-season football clash.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds (Approximate):** Brighton Win (8/13), Draw (23/10), West Ham Win (7/2) - *Odds via Betfair, subject to change.*
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 40%, Draw: 35%, West Ham Win: 25%
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes – Brighton have conceded frequently, while West Ham possess attacking threats.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals – Both teams are struggling for consistent attacking form, and West Ham might prioritize solidity.

This fixture pits two out-of-form sides against each other. Brighton's significant injury list and Joao Pedro's suspension blunt their attack, while West Ham's desperation for a point could lead to a cagey approach. A score draw seems the most likely outcome based on current Premier League predictions and EPL betting tips.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

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

*   **Team Form:** Neither side enters this Premier League fixture in good shape. Brighton are winless in their last five league matches (D2, L3), conceding 13 goals in that period. West Ham are winless in six (D3, L3) and have looked disjointed under Graham Potter.
*   **Injuries and Suspensions:** This heavily favours West Ham. Brighton are missing top scorer Joao Pedro (suspended) and face a defensive crisis with Jan Paul van Hecke a major doubt and numerous others (Kadioglu, Milner, Lamptey, Veltman, Rutter, Webster, Igor, Steele) confirmed out. West Ham are without key midfielder Edson Alvarez, Michail Antonio, and Crysencio Summerville, while Evan Ferguson is ineligible against his parent club. Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns, but Aaron Cresswell is a doubt.
*   **Potter's Return & Team Morale:** Graham Potter's return adds spice. His West Ham tenure has been difficult (13 points from 13 games), compounded by Niclas Fullkrug's recent public criticism of team motivation. Potter acknowledged the comments weren't "helpful," highlighting potential dressing room tension. Brighton's morale might also be low after a heavy defeat and red card last time out.
*   **Motivation & Stakes:** West Ham need just one point to guarantee Premier League safety and relegate Ipswich. This clear objective could galvanise them. Brighton's push for Europe looks less likely, but home pride and finishing strongly remain motivators.
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** Brighton lost this fixture 3-1 last season, their only PL defeat to West Ham. However, the Amex is usually a tougher ground. West Ham's four away wins this season have all been clean sheets; they struggle on the road when conceding.

**Expected Outcome:** A tense, potentially low-quality match given the form and absences. West Ham might adopt a pragmatic approach to secure the vital point, while Brighton will look to control possession but may lack the cutting edge without Pedro. Expect a close contest.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 6 Premier League Matches:** L-D-L-L-D-W (Winless in 5)
    *   Brentford 4-2 **Brighton** (A)
    *   **Brighton** 2-2 Leicester (H)
    *   Crystal Palace 2-1 **Brighton** (A)
    *   **Brighton** 0-3 Aston Villa (H)
    *   Man City 2-2 **Brighton** (A)
    *   **Brighton** 2-1 Fulham (H)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Joao Pedro (Suspended - 3 matches)
    *   Jan Paul van Hecke (Doubtful - Head)
    *   Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman, Georginio Rutter, Adam Webster, Igor Julio, Jason Steele (Out - Injured)
*   **Key Players to Watch:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Crucial in Pedro's absence. Has 9 goals and 4 assists this season (his best PL return) and boasts 6 career goals against West Ham – more than any other opponent.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** The captain's leadership and defensive organisation will be vital amidst the injury crisis.
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** If selected, his dribbling ability offers a potential spark from wide areas.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 6 Premier League Matches:** D-L-D-L-D-L (Winless in 6)
    *   **West Ham** 1-1 Southampton (H)
    *   Liverpool 2-1 **West Ham** (A)
    *   **West Ham** 2-2 Bournemouth (H)
    *   Wolves 1-0 **West Ham** (A)
    *   Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (A)
    *   **West Ham** 0-1 Newcastle (H)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Edson Alvarez (Out - Back)
    *   Michail Antonio (Out - Injured)
    *   Crysencio Summerville (Out - Hamstring)
    *   Evan Ferguson (Ineligible - Loan)
    *   Aaron Cresswell (Doubtful - Muscle)
    *   Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Available - Foot)
*   **Key Players to Watch:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains the Hammers' most consistent attacking threat. His pace and finishing ability are key.
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug:** Scored or assisted in his last three PL starts. Will be motivated to back up his recent comments with a strong performance. Averages a goal contribution every 108 minutes.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse:** His set-piece delivery is always a danger and could be crucial in a tight game.

## Tactical Preview

This match presents an interesting tactical battle, influenced heavily by team news and manager history.

*   **Brighton's Approach (Likely 4-2-3-1):** Fabian Hurzler is expected to stick to Brighton's possession-based philosophy, building play from the back. However, their recent defensive frailty (conceded 2+ in last 5 games) is a major concern, exacerbated by injuries. Without Pedro, they lose unpredictability. Expect **Danny Welbeck** to lead the line, relying on midfielders like Baleba and potentially O'Riley or Hinshelwood for support and creativity from players like Mitoma.
*   **West Ham's Approach (Potential 3-5-2 or 4-2-3-1):** Graham Potter faces a dilemma. He could revert to a 3-5-2 system (as suggested by Standard Sport) for defensive solidity, using wing-backs and relying on Bowen and Fullkrug upfront. Alternatively, a 4-2-3-1 (predicted by The Stats Zone) allows Kudus and Paqueta more creative freedom behind Fullkrug. Given the need for a point, expect a focus on defensive structure, potentially looking to exploit Brighton's defensive weaknesses via **counter-attacks** led by Bowen or through **set pieces** from Ward-Prowse.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Welbeck vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can the veteran striker find space against Todibo, Mavropanos, or Kilman?
    *   **Brighton Midfield vs. Ward-Prowse/Kudus/Paqueta:** Controlling the midfield engine room will be crucial for dictating the tempo.
    *   **Bowen vs. Brighton's Left-Back (Estupinan?):** Containing West Ham's primary attacking outlet is vital for the Seagulls.

This EPL tactical analysis suggests a game where Brighton might dominate possession but struggle to break down a potentially pragmatic West Ham side wary of conceding.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League clash sees two teams desperate for a positive result for different reasons. Brighton aim to arrest a slump and salvage European hopes amidst an injury crisis, while West Ham, under former Brighton boss Graham Potter, need just a point to confirm their EPL status.

*   **Likely Result:** A **1-1 draw** reflects both teams' poor form, Brighton's absences, and West Ham's specific need for a point.
*   **Key Betting Angles:**
    *   Match Result: Draw (23/10)
    *   Both Teams To Score: Yes
    *   Player Prop: Danny Welbeck to Score Anytime (good record vs WHU)
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Consider:** Danny Welbeck (BHA) - likely focal point; Jarrod Bowen (WHU) - consistent threat.
    *   **Avoid:** Defenders from either team due to recent leaky performances and potential rotation/injury issues. Joao Pedro (BHA - suspended), Edson Alvarez (WHU - injured).

Expect a potentially nervy encounter at the Amex. West Ham might achieve their objective with a hard-fought point, while Brighton's challenging season under Hurzler continues. Don't be surprised if the decisive moments come from set-pieces or individual errors rather than flowing football.

*Disclaimer: All odds are approximate and subject to change. Predictions are based on analysis and current form; outcomes in football can vary.*