Brighton vs West Ham United – Match Preview and Team News

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome West Ham United to the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Seagulls are aiming to reignite their European push after a chaotic midweek defeat halted their unbeaten run. Fabian Hürzeler’s side saw their four-match unbeaten streak ended by Aston Villa in a 4-3 thriller on Wednesday. Consequently, they dropped to seventh in the Premier League table. They are now just two points outside the Champions League spots.

They face a West Ham side languishing in the relegation zone but showing signs of fight. The Hammers secured a creditable 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday. Despite this, they remain winless in their last three league outings. With both sides desperate to correct their course, this clash carries significant weight for the European and mid-table battles.

Brighton vs West Ham United – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Sunday, 7 December 2025
Kick-off: 2:00 pm GMT
Venue: American Express Stadium, Brighton
Referee: Simon Hooper
VAR: Tony Harrington
Last Meeting: Brighton 3-2 West Ham, 26 April 2025, Premier League

Team News

Brighton

Fabian Hürzeler has confirmed a major blow with striker Stefanos Tzimas ruled out long-term due to a knee injury. Therefore, veteran Danny Welbeck will return to the starting XI. Welbeck has a prolific record against his former club. Meanwhile, Yasin Ayari has a chance of being available, and Kaoru Mitoma has returned to training. However, James Milner, Solly March, and Adam Webster remain sidelined.

West Ham United

Nuno Espírito Santo welcomes back Lucas Paquetá from suspension. The Brazilian’s return is a timely boost for a side struggling for creativity. However, winger Crysencio Summerville remains a significant doubt due to a knock. Defender Igor Julio is ineligible to face his parent club. In addition, Łukasz Fabiański and Oliver Scarles are definite absentees.

Form

Brighton

The Seagulls have been imperious at home despite the midweek setback against Villa. They have scored at least twice in each of their last six Premier League matches at the Amex. Furthermore, their attack is particularly potent after the break. Brighton have scored more second-half goals than any other side in the division this season.

West Ham United

West Ham sit 18th in the table but have shown resilience on the road. Notably, they have won their last three away games played on a Sunday. However, their overall win rate against Brighton is dismal at just 6%. They have won just one of their 16 Premier League games against the Seagulls.

Predicted Lineups

Brighton predicted XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadıoğlu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gruda, De Cuyper; Welbeck

West Ham United predicted XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf; Potts, Magassa; Bowen, Paquetá, Fernandes; Wilson

How to watch Brighton vs West Ham United?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage starts at 1:00 pm GMT.

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