West Ham vs Brighton
Premier League 2018-19
Venue: London Stadium
Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Kick-off: 7:45pm GMT
West Ham kick off 2019 with a home clash against Brighton at the London Stadium as Manuel Pellegrini attempts to turn the Hammers into a top-10 Premier League side.
The Hammers collected 15 points in December to turn their season around after a disastrous start, but an injury-ravaged squad has slipped to two defeats in their last three games.
Pellegrini has moved quickly to sign Samir Nasri on a short-term deal, and the former Arsenal and Manchester City star could be immediately called into action on Wednesday night.
Team news and line-ups
West Ham: Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Snodgrass, Obiang, Rice, Felipe Anderson, Carroll, Arnautovic
Subs: Adrian, Noble, Nasri, Masuaku, Lucas Perez, Antonio, Diangana
Brighton: Button, Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo, March, Stephens, Propper, Locadia, Gross, Murray
Subs: Bong, Kayal, Bissouma, Andone, Knockaert, Balogun, Steele
Referee: Chris Kavanagh (Lancashire)
Score prediction: West Ham 1-0 Brighton
With both squads stretched over the festive period, expect a tight game in east London.
The Hammers have lost more at home than they have won - five defeats to four victories - but the Seagulls' away form is poor, with two wins and seven losses.
With Brighton seemingly targeting their home games as key to staying up, West Ham should have enough about them on Wednesday night to take three points - especially if Felipe Anderson continues his fine goalscoring form.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- West Ham to win: 10/11
- Draw: 13/5
- Brighton: 10/3
First goalscorer odds
- Marko Arnautovic: 7/2
- Glenn Murray: 11/2
- Andy Carroll: 9/2
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV, online and live stream coverage
This match will not be broadcast live on UK TV. You can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog, with Standard Sport correspondent Jack Rosser at London Stadium.
Head to Head
The sides have met three times in the Premier League, with West Ham yet to beat Brighton.
The Seagulls have won all three meetings, and claimed a 3-0 victory in east London back in October 2017.
