Paul Merson predicts result of West Ham United Premier League clash v Brighton
Paul Merson has made his prediction for the Premier League clash between West Ham and Brighton this weekend.
The Hammers have started the season well with a draw against Bournemouth followed by an impressive 3-1 win over Chelsea, while Brighton have beaten both Luton and Wolves in their opening games.
And Merson, speaking to Sportskeeda (24 August), admitted that it will be a tough game for both sides although admitted he is tipping the home team to win – but he wouldn’t be shocked to see West Ham get a result.
“I’m sure West Ham will have a plan against Brighton,” he said.
“Sean Dyche had a plan against them last year, and it worked. A lot of teams aren’t giving Brighton the respect they thoroughly deserve. Everyone’s talking about systems, box midfielders, and tactics – don’t worry about that.
“Brighton pass the ball quickly, and they score a goal with almost every opportunity. That’s what is working for them.
“Kaoru Mitoma is a very good player, but I’m not sure if teams would pay £100 million for him – there are a lot of good wingers around. If he can have another good season, who knows? I’ve seen him coming up against good defenders and not touching the ball.
“The big teams will buy him for the Champions League, and he’ll need to prove himself against the best defenders in the Premier League.
“West Ham will make it difficult for Brighton, and Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio can hurt them on the counter. I’m going to go with a Brighton win, but it won’t come as a big shock if West Ham get a result here. Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 West Ham United.”
Massive
This is a massive game for West Ham as it would show where we’re really at in terms of our performance for the upcoming season.
Brighton have been on of the most spectacular teams in the league over the last 12 months and they’re not in transition like Chelsea were last week.
Against Bournemouth we had no new signings available and James Ward-Prowse made a huge impact last week, which shows that we’re a very different team now with strengths that Brighton won’t enjoy from set-pieces.
Unfortunately Mohammed Kudus won’t be available despite being on the verge of signing with the club, but if we can stifle Brighton’s creativity and make this ugly rather than technical then we have all the skills to really cause them trouble and get a result.
Not many people will be giving us a hope here, so this is a chance to show them we’re back and stick it to everyone who doesn’t believe.
In other West Ham news, club want to sign in-demand full-back whose deal expires in 2024.