Brighton and Hove Albion Match Preview
West Ham United were a VAR decision away from their first ever Premier League win over Brighton and Hove Albion back in December and the game once again ended in a 1-1 draw. They head to The American Express Community Stadium this afternoon, looking for the win that could secure a UEFA Europa League place for the second successive season.
Although the Hammers were pegged back by Manchester City last weekend after going 2-0 in front, in their minds, they would have seen that as a positive on which to end their campaign in Stratford.
The visitors will arrive in Sussex looking to end the 2021/22 season on a high and hope to achieve that first top-flight success over the Seagulls.
Graham Potter’s men were yet to record a home win in 2022 until the 4-0 victory over Manchester United back on May 7 and also go into this game with momentum behind them, having picked up an excellent 1-1 draw at Leeds United last Sunday.
Having just missed out on a first ever win over Josep Guardiola last time out, Moyes will try and achieve the same feat against Potter but West Ham fans know that it won’t be easy, as you have to go back to the Upton Park days for the last time they beat the Seagulls. A 6-0 trouncing of the team then under the stewardship of Gustavo Poyet.
If he is not selected from the start, Mark Noble will at least hope to play some part on what will be his 550th and final appearance for the club, while David Moyes hinted in his pre-match news conference on Friday that Saïd Benrahma is also back in contention, following an ankle injury. Andriy Yarmolenko may also make a farewell appearance after coming on as a substitute at home against the Citizens.
Moyes also stated that Issa Diop will miss the game as he continues his recovery from a recent ankle injury. This means that Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson are set to retain their places. Ben Johnson has missed a few Premier League games recently due to a calf strain but he may be restored to the starting line-up.
All final day matches kick-off at 4pm and the referee in Sussex is Kevin Friend.