Brighton vs West Ham United Predictions

• At least three goals have been scored in five of Brighton’s last eight games
• At least three goals have been scored in four of West Ham’s last six matches
• Both teams have scored in six of Brighton’s seven home league games this season
• BTTS has landed in four of West Ham’s last five away games

Albion to skinny to beat battling Hammers

Brighton will not find it easy to beat a West Ham side that have strung a few away results together now under Nuno Espirito Santo when they clash at Amex Stadium on Sunday. The Seagulls are not quite as short as Manchester United were to beat the Hammers at home on Thursday, but they are still too skinny to be backing at around 11/20.

Bournemouth also failed to deliver three points as odds-on home favourites against the Londoners, who have avoided defeat in four of their last six Premier League trips. Albion’s home record was excellent before their midweek setback against Aston Villa. The Villans roared back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 and puncture some of the confidence Fabian Hurzeler’s side had gained from three previous home wins on the spin.

Brighton benefitted from some dodgy goalkeeping from Marco Bizot to establish that early advantage, but were guilty of slacking off on the press, getting caught out by long balls and a lack of desire when crosses went into their penalty area.

Soucek has proven capable of unlocking Albion’s defence

West Ham will try to exploit these areas on Sunday when they should have Lucas Paqueta back in the fold after his one-match suspension.

The Brazilian may or may not be restored straight back into the starting line-up, but Tomas Soucek provides a different threat when deployed in his position and he is a proven goalscorer at this level.

The Czech midfielder has scored three goals in 11 appearances against the Seagulls and netted in their 3-2 loss at the Amex in April. Soucek has also scored in two of his last five Premier League appearances, despite playing only around 180 minutes in those games.

Goals at both ends on the cards

Backing goals may be the way to go here because Brighton should be more potent with Danny Welbeck back in the starting line-up. At least three goals have been scored in five of Brighton’s last eight games and also in four of West Ham’s last six matches.

That trend for a trio of goals could continue with both teams to score also highly likely given how open Albion have been and West Ham’s determination to battle out of relegation trouble.

A high-scoring draw along similar lines to the Hammers’ last trip south could be on the cards with 2-2 the preferred play in correct score markets.