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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). Team news, form, tactical analysis & score prediction for this Premier League clash.

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

The Premier League weekend features a potentially intriguing clash at the Amex Stadium as Brighton & Hove Albion host West Ham United on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM BST (14:00 UTC). This EPL fixture sees Graham Potter return to his former club amidst West Ham's struggles, while Brighton aim to reignite their push for European football despite recent wobbles. Get the latest **Brighton vs West Ham predictions**, team news, and **EPL betting tips** right here.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline: Brighton vs West Ham

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

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

*   **Winner Odds (Betfair):** Brighton Win (8/13), Draw (23/10), West Ham Win (7/2)
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 55%, Draw: 25%, West Ham Win: 20%
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes - Brighton have conceded 2+ goals in their last five league games (Article 14), while West Ham possess attacking threats despite poor form.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals - Brighton's recent matches have been high-scoring, and West Ham need to show attacking intent.

Despite Brighton's poor run and extensive injury list, their home advantage and slightly better underlying quality might just edge this encounter against a West Ham side winless in six and needing a point for safety. Expect a competitive **Premier League prediction** outcome.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several crucial elements will likely shape this **EPL match preview**:

*   **Team Form:** Neither side enters in good shape. Brighton are winless in five PL games (D2, L3), conceding heavily (Article 1, 9, 14). West Ham are winless in six (D3, L3) and sit 17th (Article 7, 8, 9).
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:** Brighton are severely hampered. Top scorer Joao Pedro is suspended (Article 1, 8), and key defender Jan Paul van Hecke is out (Article 1, 9). They also miss numerous others including Kadioglu, Milner, Lamptey, Rutter, Webster, Igor, and Steele (Article 8, 9, 12). West Ham are without influential midfielder Edson Alvarez (Article 6, 8) and ineligible loanee Evan Ferguson (Article 6, 8). Wan-Bissaka and Cresswell are doubts (Article 6, 8, 12).
*   **Managerial Pressure & Morale:** Graham Potter faces another challenging return to the Amex after a tough start at West Ham (Article 2, 7). Internal tensions may be simmering, with Niclas Fullkrug publicly questioning team motivation (Article 5, 7) and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler demanding a less "happy-clappy" culture after Danny Welbeck's criticism (Article 1).
*   **Home vs. Away:** Brighton rely on home form but drew their last two at the Amex (Article 12, Results). West Ham's four away wins this season have all been clean sheets, but they haven't won on the road when conceding (D5 L10) (Article 14).
*   **Stakes:** Brighton retain slim European hopes (Article 12), while West Ham need just one point to mathematically secure Premier League survival (Article 8).

**Expected Outcome:** A tense affair where Brighton's desire to respond at home clashes with West Ham's need for a safety-clinching point. Brighton's injury crisis makes them vulnerable, but West Ham's own poor form and Potter's difficult history here could level the playing field. Expect **key match factors** like individual errors or set-pieces to be decisive.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 5 Premier League Matches:** L-D-L-L-D
    *   Brentford 4-2 **L** (Away)
    *   Leicester 2-2 **D** (Home)
    *   Crystal Palace 2-1 **L** (Away)
    *   Aston Villa 0-3 **L** (Home)
    *   Manchester City 2-2 **D** (Away)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **Out:** Joao Pedro (Suspended), Jan Paul van Hecke (Head), Ferdi Kadioglu (Toe), James Milner (Thigh), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle), Georginio Rutter (Ankle), Adam Webster (Thigh), Igor Julio (Hamstring), Jason Steele (Shoulder), Joel Veltman (Ankle - *despite earlier reports of return*) (Article 1, 8, 9, 12)
*   **Key Player to Watch:** **Danny Welbeck**. The veteran striker has 9 PL goals this season, seeking his first double-figure campaign (Article 14). He recently criticised the team's performance (Article 1) and has an excellent record against West Ham (6 PL goals - most vs any opponent) (Article 14).

### West Ham United

*   **Last 5 Premier League Matches:** D-L-D-L-D
    *   Southampton 1-1 **D** (Home)
    *   Liverpool 2-1 **L** (Away)
    *   Bournemouth 2-2 **D** (Away)
    *   Wolves 1-0 **L** (Away)
    *   Everton 1-1 **D** (Away)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **Out:** Edson Alvarez (Back), Evan Ferguson (Ineligible - loan parent club), Michail Antonio (Injured), Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring) (Article 6, 8, 9, 12)
    *   **Doubtful:** Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Foot), Aaron Cresswell (Muscular) (Article 6, 8, 9, 12)
*   **Key Player to Watch:** **Niclas Fullkrug**. Despite his controversial comments, the German striker has contributed a goal or assist in each of his last three PL starts (Article 14). His aerial presence and finishing could trouble Brighton's depleted defence. Also watch **Jarrod Bowen** for his consistent attacking threat.

Check **Brighton latest form** and **West Ham injury updates** closer to kick-off for any late changes. **Premier League player stats** highlight Welbeck and Fullkrug as potential difference-makers.

## Tactical Preview: Potential Formations and Key Battles

This **EPL tactical analysis** anticipates a clash of styles, potentially influenced by personnel issues.

*   **Brighton's Approach:** Fabian Hurzeler is likely to stick with a possession-focused approach, probably in a **4-2-3-1 formation** (Article 12). They will aim to build from the back and utilise wide areas. However, their recent defensive fragility (conceded 13 goals in last 5 games - Article 9, 14) is a major concern, especially with key defenders missing.
*   **West Ham's Game Plan:** Graham Potter might opt for a **3-5-2** (Article 6) to provide more defensive solidity or continue with a **4-2-3-1** (Article 12). Given their struggles and Potter's pragmatism, they might sit slightly deeper, look to frustrate Brighton, and hit on the counter-attack through Bowen or use Fullkrug as a target man. Set pieces via James Ward-Prowse remain a key weapon.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Midfield Control:** Brighton's likely pairing (e.g., Baleba, Hinshelwood) vs West Ham's engine room (Ward-Prowse, potentially Soler, Kudus, Paqueta). Who dictates the tempo?
    *   **Welbeck vs West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can the experienced Welbeck exploit gaps against likely starters Todibo and Kilman?
    *   **Bowen/Fullkrug vs Brighton's Defence:** Can West Ham's main threats find joy against a potentially makeshift Brighton backline led by Lewis Dunk?

Expect **possession strategies** from Brighton countered by West Ham's attempts to remain compact and exploit transitions.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League fixture presents a fascinating dynamic: Potter's return, Brighton's injury crisis versus their home form, and West Ham's desperate need for a point amidst poor results.

*   **Likely Outcome:** A close contest. Brighton's attacking intent at home might just overcome their defensive woes against a West Ham side low on confidence. Our prediction leans towards a narrow **Brighton 2-1 West Ham** victory.
*   **Betting Angles:**
    *   Brighton Win or Draw (Double Chance) looks a safer bet given the uncertainties (Article 12 Tip).
    *   Both Teams To Score (BTTS) 'Yes' seems probable.
    *   Over 2.5 Goals is a strong possibility.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck (BRI):** Good form, motivated, great record vs West Ham.
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug (WHU):** Involved in goals recently, focal point of attack.
    *   **Jarrod Bowen (WHU):** Always capable of returns.
    *   **Avoid:** Brighton defenders due to injuries and recent form.

**Final Thought:** Expect a hard-fought **football** match at the Amex. While Brighton have home comforts, their extensive injury list makes this far from straightforward. West Ham know a point secures safety, which could lead to a cagey start, but goals seem likely given Brighton's recent defensive record. Don't be surprised if there's late drama in this **soccer** encounter.