Brighton v West Ham: Big test for Nuno’s mean on the south coast today
West Ham head down to the Amex stadium this weekend looking to pull themselves out of the bottom three—and finally, finally put an end to our miserable record against Brighton.
Nuno Espírito Santo has definitely steadied the ship, with only one defeat in our last five Premier League games. The fightback at Old Trafford in midweek showed character, graft and a bit of swagger too. But the table doesn’t lie—we need wins, fast – particularly given Nottingham Forest’s loss to David Moyes Everton today.
Brighton, however, are basically the worst possible fixture when you’re desperate for points. One win in 16 Premier League meetings says it all… and just to make it worse, Danny Welbeck turns into a Ballon d’Or nominee every time he sees claret and blue.
West Ham Team News: Paquetá Returns, Summerville Available… but Who Misses Out?
The big headline is Lucas Paquetá returns from being on Santa’s naughty list, which gives Nuno a proper selection headache. Summerville is expected to be available too, but after the recent performances of Magassa, Potts and Fernandes, someone good is getting dropped—there’s no way around it.
Summerville may have to settle for a spot on the bench, especially if Nuno wants to keep the midfield trio together.
There’s also the wildcard option: Paquetá starting as a false nine. Callum Wilson played 88 minutes on Thursday and looked absolutely done at the end. Don’t be shocked if Nuno pulls a tactical rabbit out of the hat.
Nuno many drop the knackered Callum Wilson
How the Opposition Are Looking
Brighton lost 4-3 to Villa in midweek—brilliant game unless you’re Fabian Hürzeler. They blew a 2-0 lead, something you don’t normally associate with Brighton at home.
But statistically? They finish games better than anyone in the league. Ten goals in the final 15 minutes this season—the joint-highest.
And history says they’re the absolute worst opponent for West Ham when you’re trying to bounce back from a bad result.
They’ve lost one of 16 league games against us. One!
And Welbeck? He’s got six Premier League goals against the Hammers—his personal record versus any club. Lovely.
Gonzo’s Predicted West Ham XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Areola |
| RB | Wan-Bissaka |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| CB | Todibo |
| LB | Diouf |
| CM | Magassa |
| CM | Potts |
| CAM | Fernandes |
| RW | Bowen |
| LW | Summerville |
| CF | Paquetá |
Prediction
As much as it pains me… it’s hard to see past Brighton in this one. Our attack is struggling—no shots on target against Liverpool and not many more against Man U. That said, Bowen is hopefully finding form and the West Ham defence is definitely improving.
However, my biggest concern is El Hadji Malick Diouf who just can’t defend 1 0n 1 against quick players. For all his attributes, Diouf changes direction slowly so any opponent just has to slow him up before accelerating quickly. For that reason, Yankuba Minteh is probably the worst person in the league to duel with, and may swing the game.
Prediction: Brighton 2–1 West Ham
Hope I’m wrong. But Welbeck scoring feels inevitable at this point.
Gonzo, just wondering, if El Hadji Malick Diouf can’t defend 1 on 1 against quick players then how did he manage to keep Bukayo Saka quiet when Senegal beat England at Wembley? Maybe I am I missing something.
A very fair prediction Gonzo, we have to keep that midfield trio together, which will give them confidence.
We do lack bite atm, it’s another test for sure
I think we’ll compete. I called Man U right at 1-1 and Brighton are no more difficult a proposition so I’ll have a shot at 1-1 again.