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

**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions, betting tips, team news & tactical analysis for Brighton vs West Ham at the Amex Stadium (26/04/2025). Score prediction included.

# Brighton vs West Ham: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips (26/04/2025)

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 dives deep into predictions, team news, betting tips, and tactical analysis for the fixture scheduled on **Saturday, April 26, 2025, kicking off at 14:00 UTC (15:00 BST / 10:00 ET)**. Both sides are desperate for points, albeit for different reasons, making this a fascinating encounter on the south coast.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** Brighton are slight favourites given home advantage, but their recent poor form and injury list make West Ham (+ Draw) appealing odds. West Ham need just a point to secure Premier League safety.
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Brighton's defence has been leaky (conceding 2+ in recent games), while West Ham possess attacking threats capable of breaching the Seagulls' backline.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Leaning towards Under 2.5 Goals. While Brighton's defence is shaky, West Ham haven't been prolific recently, and a potentially cagey affair could limit scoring opportunities. However, Over 2.5 remains a possibility given Brighton's defensive woes.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** Brighton Win: 35%, Draw: 35%, West Ham Win: 30%

*(Note: Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.)*

This Premier League prediction anticipates a tight contest. Brighton's winless run and defensive issues clash with West Ham's own struggles for form under Graham Potter, suggesting a share of the spoils is a likely outcome. Look for EPL betting tips focusing on the draw or BTTS markets.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key match factors will influence this EPL fixture:

*   **Team Form:** Both clubs enter the match in poor form. Brighton are winless in their last six competitive matches (D1, L5 - including cup penalty loss), while West Ham are winless in their last six Premier League games (D3, L3).
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:** Brighton face a significant injury crisis, particularly in defence, and are missing top scorer Joao Pedro through suspension. West Ham have key players like Evan Ferguson (ineligible) and Michail Antonio unavailable, with doubts over Edson Alvarez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
*   **Tactical Approaches:** Brighton, under Fabian Hurzeler, aim for a possession-based game but have struggled defensively. West Ham, under former Brighton boss Graham Potter, are still finding their identity but may adopt a pragmatic approach, knowing a point secures their EPL status. Potter's return to the Amex adds another layer of intrigue.
*   **Morale & Pressure:** Brighton striker Danny Welbeck recently criticised the team's collective effort, while West Ham's Niclas Fullkrug publicly questioned his teammates' motivation. Potter is under pressure after a slow start, while Brighton's European hopes have faded.
*   **Home vs. Away Advantage:** The Amex is usually a tough place to visit, but Brighton's recent home form (D1, L1 in last two EPL games) has been unconvincing. West Ham need to overcome their own travel struggles.

The expected EPL outcome is a closely fought match where neither side dominates. West Ham's need for a point to guarantee safety could lead to a more cautious approach, while Brighton's injury woes might limit their attacking potential despite home advantage.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Brighton & Hove Albion

*   **Last 5 Matches (All Comps):** L-D-L-L-D(L Pens)
    *   Brentford 4-2 **Brighton** (EPL)
    *   **Brighton** 2-2 Leicester (EPL)
    *   Crystal Palace 2-1 **Brighton** (EPL)
    *   **Brighton** 0-3 Aston Villa (EPL)
    *   **Brighton** 0-0 Nottingham Forest (Lost 3-4 on penalties) (Cup)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **Out:** Joao Pedro (Suspended), Adam Webster (Thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (Toe), James Milner (Thigh), Georginio Rutter (Ankle), Igor Julio (Hamstring), Tariq Lamptey (Ankle), Jason Steele (Shoulder).
    *   **Doubtful:** Jan Paul van Hecke (Head), Joel Veltman (Ankle - *returning to squad but match fitness unclear*).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Danny Welbeck:** Expected to lead the line in Pedro's absence. His experience and work rate will be vital. Criticised the team recently, showing leadership desire.
    *   **Kaoru Mitoma:** If fit and firing, his dribbling ability provides Brighton's main spark from wide areas.
    *   **Lewis Dunk:** The captain's leadership is crucial amidst the defensive injury crisis.

### West Ham United

*   **Last 5 Matches (EPL):** D-L-D-L-D
    *   **West Ham** 1-1 Southampton (EPL)
    *   Liverpool 2-1 **West Ham** (EPL)
    *   **West Ham** 2-2 Bournemouth (EPL)
    *   Wolves 1-0 **West Ham** (EPL)
    *   Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (EPL)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   **Out:** Evan Ferguson (Ineligible - loan parent club), Michail Antonio (Unknown), Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring).
    *   **Doubtful:** Edson Alvarez (Back), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Toe/Foot - *returning to squad*), Aaron Cresswell (Muscle).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** West Ham's most consistent attacking threat, capable of scoring and creating from the right.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus & Lucas Paqueta:** Provide creativity, flair, and goal threat from midfield/attacking roles. Their link-up play is key.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse:** A major threat from set-pieces and provides midfield control.

Check Brighton's latest form and West Ham injury updates closer to kick-off for the final team news. Premier League player stats highlight Bowen's importance for the Hammers.

## Tactical Preview

This EPL tactical analysis suggests a clash of styles, potentially muted by form and circumstance.

*   **Brighton (Likely Formation: 4-1-4-1 / 4-2-3-1):**
    *   **Style:** Fabian Hurzeler prefers a possession-heavy approach, building from the back. However, recent defensive errors and injuries may force adjustments. They will look to utilize wide players like Mitoma (if fit) and create chances for Welbeck.
    *   **Potential Game Plan:** Dominate the ball, press high when possible, but be wary of turnovers given their defensive fragility. Midfield control via Carlos Baleba and potentially Jack Hinshelwood will be key.
*   **West Ham (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1 / 3-5-2):**
    *   **Style:** Graham Potter is still implementing his philosophy. They may adopt a more pragmatic setup, focusing on defensive solidity first, knowing a draw suffices for safety. Counter-attacks using the pace of Bowen and Kudus could be their primary weapon.
    *   **Potential Game Plan:** Stay compact, frustrate Brighton, and look for opportunities on the break or via set-pieces delivered by Ward-Prowse. Niclas Fullkrug could provide a physical presence upfront if selected over Bowen centrally.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Brighton's Makeshift Defence vs. West Ham's Attackers:** Can Dunk marshal an inexperienced backline against the movement and skill of Bowen, Kudus, and Paqueta?
    *   **Midfield Control:** The battle between Brighton's possession-focused midfielders (e.g., Baleba) and West Ham's pairing (likely Ward-Prowse & Soler/Soucek) will be crucial for dictating the game's tempo.
    *   **Welbeck vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can Welbeck occupy and trouble the likely pairing of Todibo and Kilman?

Expect Brighton to have more possession, but West Ham might look more threatening on transitions if their key attackers perform.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Brighton vs. West Ham fixture pits two out-of-form Premier League sides against each other. Brighton's extensive injury list and Joao Pedro's suspension severely hamper them, despite home advantage. West Ham, under former Seagulls boss Graham Potter, know a point secures their EPL survival and may play accordingly.

*   **Prediction Recap:** A 1-1 draw seems the most probable outcome, reflecting both teams' recent struggles and West Ham's specific objective.
*   **Betting Angles:** The Draw (around 23/10 based on early odds) and Both Teams To Score (Yes) appear to be sensible betting tips.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:** Jarrod Bowen (WHU) remains a consistent FPL option due to his goal involvement potential. Danny Welbeck (BHA) could be a differential pick, leading the line for the Seagulls.

**Final Thought:** Expect a tense contest at the Amex. While Brighton will aim to control the ball, their defensive vulnerabilities and absentees could be exposed. West Ham have the attacking quality to hurt them but need to overcome their own poor run. A score draw feels like the logical conclusion to this late-season EPL soccer match.