West Ham United can go unbeaten in three games for the first time this season when it welcomes a wobbling Brighton and Hove Albion to the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Irons have beaten Wolves and drawn Bournemouth to give Julen Lopetegui a bit more solid footing, but there are false dawns on record for the Spanish boss in London and a win here would feel like a terrific stabilizing agent for his project.
WATCH – West Ham vs Brighton
Brighton were in fourth place on Nov. 29 but have not won any of their last four outings in the Premier League, drawing Southampton and Leicester while slipping to defeats against Fulham and rivals Crystal Palace.
This is the first real crisis point in Fabian Hurzeler’s tenure at the Amex Stadium. The Seagulls weren’t immune to dry spells under Roberto De Zerbi —it’s easy to forget how they fell apart last season — and need to stop this slide in its tracks.
How to watch West Ham vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday
Venue: The London Stadium — London
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Streaming: Premier League on Peacock
West Ham team news, focus
Star forward Jarrod Bowen has been looking brighter and brighter, more capable of producing big numbers. His four goals and four assists this Premier League season are a bit of misfortune and a bit of new system. When he’s at full volume, West Ham are a different force.
OUT: Michail Antonio (DETAILS), Carlos Soler (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Jean-Clair Todibo (groin)
Brighton team news, focus
Danny Welbeck has been limited to 19 minutes over the past three fixtures and did not play at all in the two losses. His return would be so helpful as Evan Ferguson is yet to find his form.
OUT: Adam Webster (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Danny Welbeck (ankle), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Joel Veltman (muscular), Solly March (knee), Matt O’Riley (knock), James Milner (thigh), Jack Hinshelwood (knee)
West Ham vs Brighton prediction
The Seagulls have too much attacking talent and are a threat in every game, and will be heartened by the 29 shots attempted by Bournemouth in their Monday draw with West Ham. Until the Irons get more clinical with their chances or Niclas Fullkrug is able to start games in full health, it’s difficult to bet on them winning against decent opposition (especially opposition with Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro). West Ham 1-1 Brighton.
