Premier League Matchweek 19 | London Stadium | Tuesday, December 30, 2025
West Ham United host Brighton & Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Tuesday night (7:30 PM GMT) in a fixture that has become a nightmare for the Hammers. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side sit 18th in the Premier League table with just 13 points, five points from safety, while Brighton occupy 13th on 24 points after a sharp December slide from fifth place.
The stakes could hardly be higher for West Ham. Manager Nuno faces mounting pressure after three consecutive defeats, and another loss could trigger significant unrest among fans who protested the board before the recent 1-0 home defeat to Fulham. Brighton, meanwhile, are winless in their last five matches and desperate to arrest a slump that has seen them surrender European ambitions.
Brighton’s Stranglehold Continues
The head-to-head record makes grim reading for West Ham. Brighton are unbeaten in their last 17 meetings with the Hammers across all competitions, a psychological barrier that has proven insurmountable. At the London Stadium specifically, West Ham have managed zero wins in the last six encounters (Brighton 2 wins, 4 draws). The most recent meeting in early December ended 1-1 at the Amex, continuing the pattern of frustration for West Ham.
Home Misery Deepens
West Ham’s overall form reads L-L-L-D-D-L across their last six matches, winless throughout December. Their home record is catastrophic: seven defeats in nine matches at the London Stadium this season, the second-worst home record in the division. They have conceded 36 goals in 18 matches (2.00 per game) and found the net just 19 times (1.06 per game). More alarmingly, they have conceded in nine consecutive matches across all competitions.
Brighton’s Road Troubles
Brighton’s last six shows L-D-L-D-L-W, picking up just eight points from a possible 18. Their away form has been particularly concerning, with back-to-back losses at Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (2-0) exposing vulnerabilities in their high defensive line. The Seagulls average 26 goals scored and 25 conceded across the season, suggesting a fragile balance that West Ham could exploit on the counter.
Tactical Battleground
West Ham operate with low possession (39 percent) in a 4-3-2-1 shape, relying on Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville to break at pace. Brighton favor a possession-based approach (56 percent) in a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 formation under Fabian Hürzeler. The key battle will be Bowen against Jan Paul van Hecke, with West Ham’s main goal threat facing Brighton’s most reliable center-back in wide duels.
AFCON Chaos Hits Both Sides
West Ham lose critical pace at fullback as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf depart for AFCON duty with Senegal and DR Congo respectively. Kyle Walker-Peters and youngster Oliver Scarles are expected to deputize. Lukasz Fabianski remains doubtful with a back issue, meaning Alphonse Areola starts in goal.
Brighton are without Carlos Baleba (AFCON, Cameroon) in midfield and long-term absentees Adam Webster and Solly March. Danny Welbeck returns from a back problem and should lead the line, while Kaoru Mitoma is available after illness but likely starts on the bench.
Probable Lineups
West Ham (4-3-2-1): Areola; Walker-Peters, Todibo, Kilman, Scarles; Potts, Magassa, Fernandes; Paquetá, Summerville; Bowen.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Hinshelwood, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Pedro; Welbeck.
Numbers to Watch
17 consecutive matches unbeaten for Brighton against West Ham. Seven home defeats in nine for the Hammers this season. Nine consecutive matches in which West Ham have conceded. Zero wins for West Ham at home in the last six meetings at the London Stadium.
Where to Watch
UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. International coverage includes Peacock (US) and FuboTV (Canada). Kickoff is 7:30 PM GMT (2:30 AM ICT on December 31 in Hanoi). Referee Michael Salisbury oversees proceedings in cold, clear London conditions.
