West Ham United suffered their second loss in the last seven matches in the Premier League as they were beaten by a brilliant Burnley side in their previous outing. However, they would look to get back to winning ways when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in their first match of the new year.
The Seagulls, on the other hand, scraped out a victory from their last encounter against Everton to end the year on a winning note. They would look to continue the winning run as they go into their next match against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Team News
Manuel Pellegrini’s side keeps struggling with injuries with Jack Wilshere, Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko and Carlos Sanchez still sitting on the sidelines. However, it comes as a great relief for the Chilean gaffer that Marko Arnautovic is fit enough to feature in the next game. Fabian Balbuena, Javier Hernandez and Pablo Zabaleta are also recovering from their injuries and would be assessed before the match.
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski had a torrid time in the goal against Burnley. However, he will be the one to start in the goal for the Hammers against the Seagulls.
Defence
Issa Diop is expected to start with Angelo Ogbonna once again in the heart of the defence after the Italian had a rough time against the Burnley attackers in the last match. With Pablo Zabaleta unsure of taking the field, Michail Antonio would resume his defensive duties at the right back position. Aaron Cresswell would start on the left.
Midfield
Declan Rice and Mark Noble would start in the middle of the pitch while Robert Snodgrass puts in a shift from the right-hand side. The in-form Brazilian Felipe Anderson would start on the left of the midfield.
Attack
Marko Arnautovic is expected to lead the line for the Hammers. He would be accompanied by Lucas Perez, who would look to make amends for his poor performance against the Seagulls.
Predicted Formation: 4-4-2
