Brighton v West Ham predictions: Hammers fired up for European prize

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Brighton v West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Premier League, 8pm Saturday

Best bet

West Ham draw no bet
2pts 4-5 Betfred, Hills

Team news

Brighton
Neal Maupay and Lewis Dunk are suspended while Solly March and Tariq Lamptey are out for the rest of the season. Joel Veltman is a doubt and Adam Lallanaas not featured since April.

West Ham
Aaron Cresswell is a doubt and Manuel Lanzini is set to miss out but Declan Rice and Mark Noble could return.

Match preview

West Ham's push for a top-four finish has taken a knock after three defeats in four Premier League games, but Europa League qualification looks an achievable target for David Moyes's side and they can get back on track with a victory over fourth-bottom Brighton.

The Hammers have not been helped by the absence of England international midfielder Declan Rice, who has been absent since the beginning of April.

But Rice is back in the frame to face the Seagulls and his return could be just the boost the Hammers need to seal European qualification.

While West Ham fans can start thinking about trips to the continent, Brighton supporters are probably keen to see the back of a campaign which promised much but delivered little.

Graham Potter's men have occasionally caught the eye with their slick, passing style but they have not been higher than 14th since last October's international break and have struggled at the Amex, winning just three of 17 home league games.

Potter would argue that his team are a work in progress but greater substance as well as style will be needed if Brighton are to avoid another season of struggle.

For now they have little left to play for and Potter has a few selection headaches to ponder with top scorer Neal Maupay and centre-back Lewis Dunk suspended plus Solly March and Tariq Lamptey sidelined until next season.

With Premier League survival assured, Potter can get on with the business of lining up summer transfer targets but his squad has plenty of limitations which could be exposed by a Hammers' team hungry to pave the way for a European adventure.

Key stat

Brighton have won one of their last six matches.

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