- Date and Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024. 15:00 GMT+1
- Venue: London Stadium, London, England
West Ham vs Brighton Preview
West Ham
The pressure on Julen Lopetegui continues to increase at West Ham after an underwhelming start to the season. The Spanish coach saw his team give up a one-goal advantage in the closing stages of their latest outing against Bournemouth, leaving the Hammers seven points clear of the relegation places.
However, it continues to be a concern that West Ham have won just once across their last five games and rank among the lowest scorers in the league.
We host Brighton at London Stadium this weekend ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/wWd1vLwXNm
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 18, 2024
Their attacking prospects over the festive period have already been negatively impacted following the serious leg injury sustained by Michail Antonio, forcing Jarrod Bowen into an unfamiliar number nine role at the Vitality Stadium on Monday.
The lack of goals is apparent based on the xG numbers, as they’ve scored just 13 times from an xG of 19.9. They’ll need to do better defensively after conceding 21 goals from a high xGA of 26.72.
Brighton
Brighton have been one of the more tricky teams to work out in the Premier League. They can be almost unstoppable when at their best but inferior on their off days. It was one of the latter in their recent outing, as the Seagulls were thumped by local rivals Crystal Palace last Sunday.
That was their second defeat in three, and they’ve now failed to win in four. Brighton have a close correlation in terms of their xG of 21.89. They’ve netted 22 goals and read well in terms of an xGA of 21.26, having conceded 19 from open play.
Our African Player of the Year runner-up! 🤩💫 pic.twitter.com/XpDMKCiD4L
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 17, 2024
The Seagulls have struggled when it comes to defending corners this season, conceding an xGA of 4.02 and allowing three goals. James Milner and Danny Welbeck are both back in contention to return this weekend, but Solly March is out injured.
Bet hereWest Ham vs Brighton Prediction
- Pick: The Draw
- Odds: 3.86 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: West Ham 1-1 Brighton
The inconsistency of both West Ham and Brighton & Hove Albion make it difficult to assess whether either side will bring their A-game this weekend.
The Hammers bring recent good form to the table, but their lack of scoring ability is a major concern when making a West Ham vs Brighton prediction. Therefore, the trends of historical meetings could pinpoint the value angle worth following.
Back at base 🥶 pic.twitter.com/vJGdJwbvOi
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 18, 2024
Seven of the last eleven meetings between these sides have ended in draws, which includes a 0-0 stalemate in this exact showdown at the London Stadium in January. Score draws have been the outcome in six meetings since the start of the 2018-19 season.
West Ham vs Brighton Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Both Teams to Score
- Odds: 1.22 (22Bet)
Both teams to score could be an interesting football prediction this weekend. The Hammers may lack a clear goal threat, but they’ve at least registered at least once in their last five matches. The trends also support this angle, with both teams having scored in ten of the previous 12 meetings between West Ham and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Alternatively, Tomáš Souček could be a viable scoring angle based on the Seagulls’ poor defensive record from corners. The midfielder has scored four times already this season from an xG of 3.32, and he registers an average of 2.5 shots per 90 in the Premier League.
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