Brighton and Hove Albion Match Preview
The results of the latest set of midweek matches, together with their narrow home defeat by Everton last weekend means that West Ham United begin their away double-header in sixth place in the Premier League table ahead of their trip to The American Express Community Stadium, as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in today’s late kick-off.
The Hammers will be looking to avenge that defeat against the Toffees by achieving their first ever top-flight win over Graham Potter’s men, as they look to climb the table once again.
After coming from behind twice to draw the reverse fixture back in December, David Moyes will be expecting a much improved performance and will be hoping to claim three points, as the visit here during his first spell in February 2018 ended with the Irons losing 3-1 to a Seagulls’ side then under the stewardship of Chris Hughton.
Both teams were in action last Sunday, meaning that they have had the same amount of time to prepare for this game and neither side will want a repeat of their last result, as Potter and Moyes watched frustrating losses last time out.
Angelo Ogbonna was back amongst the substitutes for the match against Carlo Ancelotti’s men last weekend and if he is to be involved here, Issa Diop would be the most likely to drop out. The fitness of Declan Rice will have to be assessed, while Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble will both hope to play some part.
Manuel Lanzini sustained a groin injury during the encounter in Stratford and won’t feature here, meaning that Jarrod Bowen is set to replace him in the starting line-up. Saïd Benrahma will be hoping to get a third consecutive start, while Michail Antonio is set to retain his place in attack
One factor that might help the Hammers on their quest for a first top-flight victory in East Sussex is the fact that the hosts have two key men suspended, as Captain Lewis Dunk and striker Neal Maupay both received red cards in their 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend.
The match is an 8pm kick-off and live coverage is once again being screened by Sky Sports from 7:30pm. The referee is Andre Marriner.