West Ham vs Brighton prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 30 December 2025
One of the fixtures of Premier League Matchday 19 takes place on Tuesday in London, where the local side West Ham will be determined to break a long winless streak in a home clash against Brighton. Let’s take a look at a bet on goals in this encounter, where the chances of success look promising.
Match preview
Under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers have struggled for consistency: in 13 games with their new boss, they've collected only 10 points. The latest defeat to Fulham (0-1) marked a seventh consecutive match without a victory, and now West Ham have dropped into the relegation zone, trailing the safety of 17th place by five points.
Injury woes continue to haunt the squad: both full-backs, Diouf and Wan-Bissaka, have left for the AFCON, and their replacements have looked unconvincing. Skarles’ error last time out cost the team valuable points, and the only glimmer of hope in attack is the recently recovered Niclas Füllkrug, whose return has fans hoping for a burst of scoring form.
The Seagulls are also enduring a rough patch — five matches without a win — but their schedule has been brutal: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Arsenal. The most recent loss in London to the Gunners (1-2) doesn’t tell the whole story — Arsenal dominated from start to finish. Still, Brighton don’t look hopeless and may well shine brighter against a more vulnerable opponent.
Attacking options are set to be boosted by the returns of Mitoma, Welbeck, and Minteh — each capable of radically changing the flow of play. Defensive issues, particularly evident in December (nine goals conceded in five games), remain a concern. However, given the hosts’ poor run of form, even with a shaky back line, Brighton have every reason to believe they can get a result.
Probable lineups
- West Ham: Areola, Skarles, Kilman, Todibo, Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville, Potts, Paquetá, Bowen
- Brighton: Verbruggen, Dunk, van Hecke, Coppola, Kadioglu, Ayari, Hinshelwood, De Keijper, Minteh, Welbeck, Mitoma
Match facts and head-to-head
- West Ham haven’t beaten Brighton at home in the Premier League since 2017.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last five head-to-head meetings.
- Over 9.5 corners have been awarded in four of the last six encounters between these clubs.
Prediction
Both teams are in a vulnerable spot, but while Brighton can point to a tough run of opponents, West Ham are clearly struggling. The Hammers are at home and must show initiative, especially with their league position deteriorating. Brighton will also be highly motivated and will look to exploit the hosts’ defensive issues. Expect a closely fought game with goals at both ends — back "Both teams to score" at 1.62.
