will be back,” Hurzeler said. “We hope can start too after playing the final 15 minutes at the Emirates]. We have to see today, but I think he will be an option to start.”
Hurzeler emphasized that both players are expected to play a crucial role in their team’s strategy. This return enhances Brighton’s attacking lineup and increases the pressure on West Ham to perform well.
West Ham’s Absentees
The absence of several key players could impact Nuno’s tactical decisions. Igor Julio, who was left out of the squad for the Fulham defeat, will not be part of the matchday squad against Brighton due to his loan deal with the opponents. Additionally, Luis Guilherme is set to leave for Sporting Lisbon for around £17.5 million, making his inclusion in the matchday squad unlikely.
Nuno might have to adjust his team lineup significantly.
With players like Potts and Baleba possibly not selected, he will need to rely on a different combination of players to face Brighton. Hurzeler’s tactical preparations will be crucial as West Ham faces a formidable opponent with high-quality attacking threats.
Preparation and Strategy
Hurzeler acknowledged the difficulty in preparing for West Ham due to their changing lineup:
“I think it’s always a difficulty to understand which formation they play,” Hurzeler added. “So, in the first game, they played a back five. Before, they played several times a back four. Now again, the last games they played in a back four.
It might be that they come in a back five. So, regarding this, we have to prepare for both. We have to prepare for a back four and a back five.”
West Ham’s challenge lies in maintaining consistency on the pitch, especially given their recent struggles. Hurzeler believes that his team must bring intensity and energy to the game if they are to secure a positive result against their London rivals.
Conclusion
A Crucial Match for Both Teams
The match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion is pivotal for both clubs. For Nuno Espirito Santo, it’s an opportunity to turn the season around with a crucial victory. Meanwhile, Brighton’s return of key players adds another layer of complexity to the game.
As fans and analysts alike look ahead to this match, one thing is certain: the stakes are high for both teams. With West Ham needing at least two wins from their remaining four games, every point will be crucial in determining the outcome of this challenging period.
