West Ham United faces Brighton & Hove Albion in a crucial match as they seek a rare home victory. The Hammers are struggling in the Premier League, sitting in the relegation zone with only 13 points, the lowest total for this stage of the season since 2010-11. A defeat at home could mark their 12th loss of the calendar year, solidifying their poor performance at the London Stadium.
West Ham’s Struggles at Home
West Ham has had a dismal home record, with fans witnessing no victories from February until November. They have scored just 10 goals across nine home matches this season. The last time they achieved a home win was a long time ago, and the prospect of replicating a previous, historical victory against Brighton seems bleak.
Head Coach Situation
Nuno Espirito Santo, the West Ham head coach, previously guided Nottingham Forest to success. Last December, Forest secured a 10th league win, which feels like a distant memory for the Hammers now. Currently, West Ham has only won three matches this season, intensifying their relegation fears.
Brighton’s Recent Form
Brighton has typically performed well against West Ham, never losing a Premier League match at this venue, with a record of 2 wins and 6 draws. However, they face their challenges, particularly in December, where they have not secured a victory in 11 matches under head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
Current Standings and Issues
Once among the top five in the league, Brighton is now positioned in the bottom half after three losses and two draws this month. Their poor away form includes conceding early in seven out of nine matches, resulting in five defeats.
Concluding Thoughts
Brighton’s ability to conclude 2025 positively hinges on overcoming West Ham. A solid start against a faltering opponent could showcase their potential and allow Hurzeler to break his December streak of disappointment. Both teams are desperate for a win, making this fixture critical for their respective seasons.
