Both West Ham and Brighton claimed impressive wins on Thursday night against north London opposition.
Brighton thumped Tottenham 4-2 at home, while the Hammers recorded a 2-0 victory at the Emirates.
The pair meet on Tuesday night as they look to further their European ambitions.
They went into this round of action split by just two places and three points in sixth and eighth respectively, but will the Seagulls leapfrog their opponents in their opening game of 2024?
- West Ham to win
- West Ham to win & BTTS
- Mohammed Kudus to score
Hammers Good Value For Victory
West Ham have put together a fine run of form of late, winning four of their last five to nil in all competitions.
They’ve won three straight games in the Premier League, which has lifted them into a European spot.
David Moyes has led his side to a 2-0 victory over Manchester United and a 2-0 win at Arsenal in their last two.
That’s seemingly enough to kick-start talks over a contract extension with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.
The Hammers are looking good for a third top-seven finish in Moyes’ second spell, while a victory over Brighton would only improve their hopes of a return to Europe.
The visitors may have had a big win of their own last time out, but they come into this clash in inconsistent form, searching for back-to-back league wins for the first time since September.
Brighton have already suffered four defeats on the road in the league this term.
Meanwhile, West Ham have won five of nine home games in the league. In all competitions, the hosts have won six of their last seven at their own ground, so back them for the points on Tuesday.
Brighton Can Pierce Hosts’ Defence
While West Ham have built a great run of form on some solid defending, Brighton are a tough side to shut down.
The Seagulls have suffered one loss to nil in the league this term and that’s the only time they’ve failed to score across their opening 19 matches.
The Seagulls found the net in a 3-1 loss to West Ham back in August and they should be able to score again, having notched in 17 of their last 18 games in all competitions.
However, the hosts have scored twice or more in five of their last seven in the league, so they can secure a victory despite conceding.
WEST HAM TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Kudus Feeling At Home
West Ham midfielder Mohammed Kudus has to be in the running for signing of the season after his brilliant start.
It’s fair to say that the Ghanaian is settling in well at London Road, especially given his recent record there.
Kudus has scored in four straight home games for the Hammers, already hitting 10 goals since arriving in the summer.
The former Ajax man has six Premier League goals to his name, of which five have come in east London.
While he’s set to depart for a month for the Africa Cup of Nations, he can score again before he sets off.
