Chris Sutton has given his verdict on how Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United will fare against Brighton and Hove Albion at London Stadium this weekend.
West Ham will take on Brighton at home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Former Chelsea striker Sutton believes that the Hammers will lose the match 2-1. The BBC Sport pundit, though, has added that Jarred Bowen has impressed him this season.
Sutton has said that other than Bowen’s performances, he has not got any reason to be optimistic about West Ham.
The £22 million (The Guardian) winger has scored four goals and given four assists in 16 Premier League matches for the Hammers this season. The 28-year-old England international has been deployed as a forward as well.
Chris Sutton predicts West Ham United to lose, gives Jarrod Bowen verdict
Sutton told BBC Sport: “I genuinely believe these predictions have been harder than ever this season because so many teams are closely matched. It’s either that or I am becoming really stupid, so take your pick.
“This game is another example of one that is very difficult to call.
“Other than Jarred Bowen’s performances, I don’t feel like West Ham have given me any reason to back them under Julen Lopetegui, while Brighton are on their worst run of the season and winless in four.
“Of course the Hammers are missing Michail Antonio, and I hope he recovers soon. In his absence, Niclas Fullkrug might finally get his chance up front. In the summer, I picked him as being one to watch – but West Ham fans have barely seen him at all so far.
“Brighton got walloped by Crystal Palace last weekend, and also showed their soft side in their previous game when they let a two-goal lead slip against Leicester, but I do feel they have the capacity to bounce back.
“Again, I see some goals in this one and I am going with Brighton to sneak it. Kaoru Mitomo is in my Fantasy Premier League team and I reckon he will get the winner.”
“Sutton’s prediction: 1-2.”
View: Don’t write off West Ham’s chances
There is no shame in admitting that Brighton have been better than West Ham this season. The Premier League table makes that clear.
While the Seagulls are only four points off the top four, the Hammers are seven points above the relegation zone and in 14th place. West Ham should be where Brighton are at the moment.
However, it would be unwise to write off West Ham’s chances of winning the Premier League game against Brighton at London Stadium this weekend.
The Hammers are at home, so that will give them an advantage. Brighton’s recent form has not been great either.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have lost two of their last three Premier League matches. Last weekend, Brighton went down 3-1 to Crystal Palace at home.
West Ham drew with Bournemouth in the Premier League this week after winning 2-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.