Friday Night Football is back. All eyes will be on the London Stadium on October 20th as West Ham United welcome newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion.
Slaven Bilic’s men struggled to get going early on in the season but the Hammers have found their feet in recent weeks – the east London outfit have lost just once since the end of August.
Meanwhile, Brighton have been rock solid on home soil but the Seagulls have tended to struggle away from the Amex Stadium.
Chris Hughton will be hoping that Brighton can turn their form around in the coming weeks and some will fancy the visitors to earn a shock win here. At 18/5, they are well worth considering for a surprise triumph.
Hammers To Break Stiff Brighton Resistance?
West Ham have won three of their last four home games; keeping a clean sheet in all three victories. Bilic will expect Brighton to adopt a defensive approach at London Stadium and it will be up the Hammers to force the issue.
A clean sheet for the home side is valued at 6/5 and plenty of punters will be keen to back the Hammers in a low scoring affair.
With Andy Carroll suspended, the onus will be on Javier Hernandez to inspire the Hammers to victory on Friday night.
The Mexico striker has scored three Premier League goals so far this season and another could be on the cards here – he is a 27/20 shot to score during 90 minutes.
Hughton Won’t Let Hosts Run Away With It
The Seagulls will view this one as a winnable encounter but Hughton will be wary of a West Ham thrashing here. Bilic’s side put three past hapless Huddersfield Town earlier this season and another impressive performance may be forthcoming.
Keeping things tight, especially in the first half, is an absolute must if Brighton are to defy the odds this weekend.
Hughton himself knows that West Ham are full of confidence right now and it would take a brave man to back a strong home win.
Lewis Dunk will have to be at his brilliant best to keep Hernandez quiet and the Brighton vice-captain is a 19/10 chance to be carded. Slowing the game down and preventing West Ham from breaking on the counter will be key to success at London Stadium.
Prediction
This one won’t be completely one-sided but the Hammers should prevail. Hughton’s side will defend resolutely and may get the odd chance; however, West Ham should have too much class for their opponents.
A first half goal will see Bilic’s men on their way and it could turn out to be a fairly comfortable evening for the home side. The Hammers are excellent value for money at 17/20 in 888sport’s Premier League betting markets.
WEST HAM 2-0 Brighton (Priced at 7/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
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