West Hamvs.Brighton

The ex-Arsenal striker is nursing an ankle injury at present, which Hurzeler labelled "unpredictable" in his pre-game press conference, but there is no chance he will be able to face the Irons.

Welbeck joins Adam Webster (thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (foot), Jack Hinshelwood (knee), James Milner (thigh) and Solly March (knee) in the Seagulls' treatment centre, but in brighter news, Matt O'Riley and Joel Veltman should both return.

The latter will most likely come straight in for Tariq Lamptey at right-back, joining fellow defensive stalwarts Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pervis Estupinan and Bart Verbruggen at the back.

A fit-again O'Riley could also make a case to return to the first XI immediately, potentially in place of Yasin Ayari in midfield alongside the much-coveted Carlos Baleba.

Welbeck's absence and Evan Ferguson's struggles ought to see Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter continue in the central attacking spots, while Kaoru Mitoma should not be at any risk of losing his place on the left either.

However, there is scope for one attacking alteration, as Yankuba Minteh's right-wing berth could come under threat from Simon Adingra.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:

Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, O'Riley; Adingra, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro

Written by

Ben Knapton