West Ham United hosts Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday at London Stadium for a Premier League showdown. Julen Lopetegui’s side looks to build on their recent positive results and edge closer to the top six. It won’t be easy, though. Brighton, despite a rough patch, arrives determined to break a four-game winless streak.
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West Ham’s momentum tested by absences
The Hammers come into the match following a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth and a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton. This recent improvement has brought confidence, but key absences remain a concern. Forward Michail Antonio is still out after a lower leg fracture in that car accident. Without him, Lopetegui has been forced to reshape the attack, which now lacks its usual sharpness-something that could prove costly against a possession-heavy Brighton.
Even so, the Spanish coach remains optimistic about his squad’s commitment:“The players have shown great dedication. We’ve worked very hard to prepare for tomorrow’s challenge, which will be against a very good team.”
Lopetegui also praised Brighton’s consistency, noting their ability to maintain a clear tactical identity despite managerial changes over the years: “They’ve continued with similar ideas for several years. That says a lot about the club.”
Brighton pressure meets resilience
Meanwhile, Brighton arrives desperate for an answer. Four games without a win is unfamiliar terrain for the Seagulls, who are also deeply beset by absences. Carlos Soler gets suspended, while Jean-Clair Todibo and James Milner are doubts, with Solly March likely to stay out; on the bright side, the team is optimistic regarding the return of Joel Veltman and Jack Hinshelwood, who would reinforce the backline this Saturday.
Despite such setbacks, Brighton remains a blueprint for smart planning and resilience. Since 2021, they've sold key players like Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo, and Ben White, yet they haven't skipped a beat. Under Fabian Hürzeler, the team is competitive and keeps on pushing for the top positions.
West Ham's Lopetegui recognized Brighton's strength and hailed the opposition's approach:“They have very good players, a good coach, and good ideas. They're a team to respect."
Focus on the present, not the past
While Brighton holds a favorable record at London Stadium, Lopetegui isn't concerned about statistics: "They have a good history here, but every game is different. What matters is tomorrow”.
For West Ham, it would be a chance to climb closer to the top six and leave all struggles behind; for Brighton, an opportunity to change the page, snap off that winless streak, and stay in the hunt for a European spot.