West Ham and Brighton aim to keep up winning record in first game of year

The Hammers are pushing for a place in Europe this season but despite their decent record in the Premier League, David Moyes is feeling the pressure.

Moyes' side have won their last two games without conceding and are just outside the top six, however, complaints continue to be made over performances.

They'll be aiming to continue their winning form against the Seagulls who have been inconsistent this campaign, only winning one of their last five in the league.

West Ham vs Brighton: New Year, no losses

Both West Ham and Brighton have enjoyed their opening games of each calendar year in recent seasons.

The Hammers are unbeaten on their year opener for the last six campaigns while the Seagulls take that one further, having not lost in seven.

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Moyes' men have won four and drawn two since losing to Manchester United at home in their first game of 2017.

In 2023, they draw 2-2 away at Leeds to keep their unbeaten streak intact.

As for De Zerbi's side, they have won three and drawn four of their first fixtures of the new year and haven't lost since being beaten by Wolves in 2016.

Last season, they beat Everton 4-1 away from home and they'll be aiming to continue their run while ending their opponent's this time around.

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West Ham won the reverse fixture against Brighton 3-1 in August, ending a 12-game winless league run against the Seagulls (D6 L6). They last did the league double over them in 2011-12, while they've never done so in the top-flight.

Brighton are unbeaten in their last six away league games against West Ham (W2 D4), since a 6-0 loss in the Championship in April 2012.

West Ham vs Brighton: Team news

Michail Antonio remains the only absentee for West Ham as he aims for a return to action later in January.

Jarrod Bowen continues to be the star man for the Hammers alongside Lucas Paqueta and both are expected to start once again.

As for Brighton, Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra have picked up injuries and will be sidelined for multiple weeks.

Both players will also miss the Asia Cup and AFCON respectively.

Ansu Fati remains out long-term while Joel Veltman, Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey, Julio Enciso, and Pervis Estupinan continue their recovery.

West Ham have won their last three home games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-0. They last won four in a row on home soil without conceding within the same season back in October/November 1994 (a run of five).

Brighton have kept just three away clean sheets in the Premier League since the start of last season, beating West Ham 2-0 in August 2022, Bournemouth 2-0 in April 2023 and Arsenal 3-0 in May 2023. However, they've also only failed to score twice themselves in this run (0-2 v Brentford October 2022, 0-2 v Arsenal December this season).

West Ham vs Brighton: What has been said?

Adam Lallana has told talkSPORT that he doesn't believe manager De Zerbi is thinking about leaving Brighton for a bigger club.

He said: "It's not even a question, that the interest is already happening.

"Brighton are not naive enough to be blindsided by that but I think Roberto is that honest and upfront that I'm not sure he wants that at the minute.

"He understands what a group he's got here, without egos and without any political games from players.

"I think part of him thinks that if he goes elsewhere, he's not going to get a group as good as what he's got here.

"But for a manager to think like that, that's rare. Usually, managers want to jump ship and want to go where there's more money involved or transfer budgets or whatever.

"But Roberto's that genuine. He started with nothing in the fourth league in Italy and he constantly reminds us that that's where he was. He doesn't need anything, he just needs a bag of balls, cones and a bit of grass.

"That's all he wants and when you've got a group of honest fellas who are worshipping him and following him all at once it makes him happy.

"Of course, there's going to be interest and eventually he's going to manage a top, top, top team, it's just a fact.

"But especially at the moment, he understands he's got it nice here at the minute, he's enjoying his time here and we can all feel that as players."

Mohammed Kudus has scored more home goals in all competitions than any other West Ham player this season (9). The last player to score 10+ home goals in their first season with the Hammers was Teddy Sheringham in 2004-05.

Brighton forward Danny Welbeck has scored more Premier League goals against West Ham than he has against any other opponent (6). However, five of his six goals against them have come in home games.

West Ham vs Brighton: talkSPORT coverage

This Premier League clash will take place on Tuesday, January 2.

Kick-off at the London Stadium is scheduled for 7:30pm.

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talkSPORT will have EXCLUSIVE live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.

Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former England striker Dean Ashton.