BRIGHTON VS WEST HAM: PREVIEW

The Seagulls host West Ham on Friday evening at the Amex Stadium after a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City last weekend.

Whereas, the Hammers are looking to keep their momentum going after an important and comfortable 3-1 win against Manchester United.

VIEW FROM HOME DUGOUT

Brighton manager Chris Hughton claimed that he is unsurprised by West Ham's recent run of strong form heading into their trip down to the South Coast.

“It's no surprise and it heightens the efforts we have to make sure we put into Friday night," the Brighton boss said.

“We know what we have to do to get results and we have to get back to those type of levels.”

The Englishman expressed that Brighton have conceded more goals than they had at this stage last year, due to playing against “some big sides.”

"In our seven games we've played four of the top six - we have to put things into perspective because we now have a period of games where we have to capitalise where and when we can," Hughton admitted.

“I’m looking for us to improve our consistency over the course of 90 minutes and maintain possession within our game more."

VIEW FROM AWAY DUGOUT

Manuel Pellegrini's side may be in brilliant form, but the Chilean manager has warned against complacency heading into Friday's game.

“Brighton have a strong team and had the same manager for a couple of seasons, so we must be aware of them," Pellegrini said.

"We expect always a difficult game against every team, for different reasons.

"In the Premier League every game is different. Brighton also beat Manchester United and they are at home so we have to be very clear in the way we approach the game.

When questioned about his team performance so far, the 65-year-old fearlessly said:

"We need to continue improving in a lot of things. The last ten days we are improving but I don't think we are at 100 per cent.

"It's difficult to know exactly why the team is playing well," the former Manchester City manager continued.

"I'm not a manager who gives too much importance to having two or three in the middle, but a manager who believes more in passing the ball when we have it and working well when we don't have possession.

"Our lines are tight and we don't have too much distance between them, but that's not just because we have three midfielders.”

TEAM NEWS

Hughton gave the media an update on the injured Pascal Gross, “he is still out”, due to an ankle problem he picked up in the game against Fulham.

Dale Stephens is "close" to returning to the side, though, and Hughton will "make a decision" nearer the time.

The reason Florin Andone didn't feature last weekend was a "tactical" decision, the Brighton manager revealed and he is "fine and fit" for the Hammers clash.

For West Ham, their striker Javier Hernandez is still battling a virus and Pellegrini confirmed the Mexican may face a bit longer on the sideline.

Andy Carroll is still recovering from injury after undergoing a surgery on his ankle, and the Irons manager revealed that Carroll will be out for a "couple" more weeks.

Marko Arnautovic is also fit and ready to be included in the starting XI at the Amex.

Pellegrini admitted that the Austrian international has been suffering with "a problem in his knee."

Arnautovic has scored four and assisted one in six games this season.

Jack Wilshere is still working his way back after a minor ankle surgery whilst Carlos Sanchez’s knee injury “will need to wait a couple of weeks before he has the surgery he needs."

STATS

West Ham’s are unbeaten in their last four games, with three wins in that period coming into the Brighton clash.

On the other hand, Brighton have not won any of their last five matches as it includes a L, D, D, L, L. However, they have lost just two of their last ten home league games.

BETTING ODDS

Brighton have a 7/4 betting odd to win at home, a 23/10 to draw, while West Ham have a 9/5 to win away.