The Hammers continue chasing their Champions League dream and would look to bag three easy points when they face Brighton on Saturday. David Moyes’ side are six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while the Seagulls occupy the 17th spot in the table – having managed to secure another year in the Premier League.
Just four points separate 17th-placed Brighton from 13th-placed Crystal Palace as Graham Potter and his men remain keen to move a place or two up the ladder over the next three games. But the Seagulls’ subpar performance throughout the season has left them with 8 wins, 13 draws and 14 losses in 35 league outings. They recently suffered a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend and would take on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal after Saturday’s clash against West Ham. Brighton’s last taste of victory came against Leeds United at home on the 1st day of May. Although they enjoy their unbeaten run against the Hammers in the Premier League, a rejuvenated West Ham is a stern test for Potter’s eleven as they hope to avoid finishing the campaign as 17th.
Liverpool’s midweek victory over Manchester United has pulled down West Ham from fifth to the sixth spot. However, a win at Brighton would certainly keep them in the race for European football next season, which undoubtedly will be a huge success story for their Scottish coach. Despite losing the last three of their four league games, including a embarrassing 1-0 loss to Everton at home last weekend, West Ham will be hoping to maraud their final three opponents Brighton, West Brom and Southampton – currently fighting for a respectable spot in the bottom half of the league.
The Hammers almost impeccable home record this season is ranked second-best in the Premier League, but they have picked up only 27 points from a possible 51 while on road. The last four encounters between Brighton and West Ham ended in a stalemate, but with the continental dream at the horizon, the Hammers will be desperate to capture all three points on Saturday.
Key Players
Since arriving as a free agent in October, Danny Welbeck has grown into an influential member in Potter’s side since arriving as a free agent. The 30-year-old saved his club from relegation with a deft individual effort in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Leeds. Ex-Man Utd striker has scored three times in his last seven outings and averages 1.5 shots per game with 1.1 key passes. His contract with the Sussex club runs out this summer but reports in England claim that the Seagulls are eager to retain him for another season.
The 24-year-old Yves Bissouma has been a standout performer at the Amex Stadium this season. The Malian international once again caught everyone’s attention against Everton at home last Tuesday. Signed from Lille in 2018 for £15m, his significant rise in form allowed his value to surge up to £50m currently with ‘significant interest’ from Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Monaco and Real Madrid, according to his agent. His numbers of 86.7% accurate passes and 1.2 successful take-ons per match this year will surely take him to a big club in the near future.
Jesse Lingard put his career back after joining the Hammers on loan in January and has caught England manager Gareth Southgate’s attention, who wants to reintegrate the Manchester United loanee into his first-team squad ahead of this summer’s European Championship. In 13 Premier League appearances so far, Lingard has scored a staggering nine goals and four assists from midfield, cementing the Hammers position at the top-six. The English international was thrown down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Still, since his arrival in London, the 28-year-old has rejuvenated his stagnating career, while Moyes is reportedly hoping to convert his current deal into a permanent one in summer.
Bursting into the limelight for West Ham United in 2017, Declan Rice has been one of England’s most promising young talents. A box-to-box 22-year-old midfielder, capable of providing defensive support as well as the frequent attacking sparks, has all the potential to become world-class in the coming few years. His tally of 47.4 passes each game with an accuracy of 88% – pinpoints his capability as a natural passer of the ball, whereas his defensive contribution of 1.9 tackles and 1.2 clearances topped with at least 2 interceptions justifies his versatility in the centre of the pitch.
Prediction
Now that Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United have been confirmed as the three relegated teams for the 2020-21 campaign, Brighton might play with more confidence and jump up a few places on the table in their last three games. But with West Ham charging for a berth in European football, a tight match is expected at the Amex Stadium, with the Hammers probably edging past their hosts with a narrow victory on Saturday.
