Premier League: How Long Can Lopetegui Survive in London?

West Ham United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Julen Lopetegui is still the head coach of West Ham United after the team picked up valuable points in the past few weeks. After beating the Wolves 2-1 in London and drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, the Hammers have steered clear of the relegation zone. However, they are still in the bottom half of the Premier League standings, sitting in 14^th place with 19 points. West Ham United are up for another tough challenge, as they head back to London Stadium to host a reeling Brighton squad on Saturday night.

Brighton’s winless streak has extended to four consecutive games following a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace last time out. Fabian Hurzeler’s side has fallen to ninth place with 24 points, and they might fall out of the top half of the table for good if they don’t win again.

 

Talking Points

Paqueta’s commitment is crucial for West Ham United

Julen Lopetegui is confident that West Ham United are on the right track following their recent positive run of results, and Lucas Paqueta was the latest player to step up. The Brazilian midfielder converted a late penalty to put the Hammers up by one goal against the bouncing Cherries before Enes Unal scored the added-time equaliser. He is one of the team’s most productive players since he already has three league goals under his belt.

After he was charged with alleged breaches of FA rules for match-fixing last May, Lucas Paqueta’s future in London was uncertain. He was linked to a move away with West Ham United in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old posted a cryptic message on social media before the Bournemouth match, quoting a Brazilian song with lyrics translated as “I’m not from here. I will return home; he comes to get me, and with him I will go.” Paqueta was also on the bench during the Hammers’ previous two matches before facing the Cherries. But after scoring against Bournemouth, Lucas Paqueta posted on social media of him kissing the West Ham United badge.

Brighton’s backline would also have to watch out for Jarrod Bowen, as the 27-year-old winger is the Hammers’ top scorer with four league goals and four assists.

 

Brighton’s porous defence continues to haunt them

Brighton unraveled against Crystal Palace, as they conceded three goals last weekend. It would’ve been a shutout loss for them if it weren’t for Marc Guehi’s late own goal. Fabian Hurzeler criticised the team’s lack of killer instinct. The Seagulls have already conceded 40 goals, doing so in 11 of their last 12 games.

The Seagulls couldn’t contain Ismaila Sarr, as the Crystal Palace winger recorded two goals and one assist. Sarr also had eight touches in the opposition box, five total shots, with three of them on target. With the way they’re defending lately, don’t be surprised if Brighton will struggle against Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen this Saturday.

As mentioned before, Brighton doesn’t have a problem scoring goals. The evergreen Danny Welbeck is their most dangerous threat, with six league goals and two assists.

 

History

West Ham United have won only one of their last 14 Premier League meetings with Brighton (D7, L6), with their last win being a 3-1 result at the AMEX Stadium last season. However, the Hammers have picked up 10 points in their last five home games (W3, D1, L1), which is as many as they had in their previous 11 games at the London Stadium (W2, D4, L5).

Brighton are undefeated in all seven of their Premier League matches against West Ham United at the London Stadium (W2, D5). After scoring in each of their first 13 Premier League matches against the Hammers (27 goals in total), the Seagulls had a goalless draw with them in their last league encounter.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2024 odds predict a close fight between West Ham United and Brighton, despite their gap in the English top-flight table. The Seagulls have the slight advantage at 2.29, whereas the Hammers are at 2.67 in the 1X2 market.

The inconsistent nature between West Ham United and Brighton suggests we’ll witness a draw, with both sides likely to generate Premier League 2024 highlights. SBOTOP bettors can also go for alternatives like Over 2.75 at 1.66, Over 3.00 at 1.90, Over 3.25 at 2.14, Total Goals 2-3 at 2.15, or even Total Goals 4-6 at 2.70. Moreover, a Correct Score of 0-0 – the result of their last Premier League encounter – has a huge 18.00 offer.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.