West Ham vs. Brighton - A Potential Christmas Cracker in East London

Football fans should witness an entertaining spectacle when Brighton travel to London to take on West Ham on Sunday.

The Seagulls have fully abandoned the cautious, defensive style perpetuated by former manager Chris Hughton.

They play a much more ambitious, expansive brand of football under Graham Potter, which makes them a lot more dangerous going forward, but significantly weaker in defence.

Both teams to score has paid off in 10 of Brighton’s 14 games so far this season, making them one of the league’s most entertaining teams to watch.

Antonio Could Return

West Ham drew a blank for the first time since the opening day of the season when they lost 3-0 to Chelsea last time out.

Michail Antonio could return to sharpen up their attack for this game against Brighton, which would give the squad a massive boost.

Yet the Hammers should be perfectly capable of scoring against Potter’s side even if Antonio misses out again.

They have only failed to score twice in 14 games this season, while Brighton have kept just three clean sheets in 14 matches.

Goalkeeper Issues

Brighton have some terrific defenders – Lewis Dunk, Ben White, Adam Webster and Joel Veltman are all excellent players, while Yves Bissouma is a very effective screen – but clean sheets simply have not been forthcoming.

Maty Ryan has struggled in goal, and he has now seemingly been replaced by the inexperienced Robert Sanchez.

They also like to pour men forward, with the wing-backs often playing very high up the pitch, and that leaves them exposed on the counterattack.

Brighton have scored in 11 out of 14 games so far this season, but defensive shortcomings have left them marooned in 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone.

West Ham will fancy their chances of winning this one, but Brighton should be able to get on the score sheet.

Tip: Both teams to score (8/11 William Hill)

Stake: One unit