Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?

After a quiet start to the transfer window and an uncertain future surrounding certain players, many West Ham fans were heading into the new season with a sense of dread.

But, after a bundle of new signings – including the likes of James Ward-Prowse and the imminent arrival of Ghanaian star Mohamed Kudus – along with a home triumph against Chelsea, things are starting to look positive again.

Last week’ 3-1 victory against the high-spending West London outfit came as an unexpected surprise, especially having played the final half with 10-men after Nayef Aguerd saw red.

West Ham face a trip to Brighton looking to end their horror run against the Seagulls – James Ward-Prowse will be key.

Four points after two games has reignited the confidence within the Hammers fanbase. But up next are long-term bogey side and, more importantly, top-of-the-table Brighton who have started the season with purpose, winning each of their opening two games 4-1.

This, along with last season’s heavy 4-0 defeat at The Amex still fresh in the memory, can be used as not only a warning sign for David Moyes, but also a cause for inspiration as the proud Scot will not want to be humiliated in such a fashion again.

With all this in mind, what do our resident Green Street Hammers think of West Ham’s chances on a trip to the sunny south coast?

 *Jack – Brighton 2-1 West Ham*

Honestly I’m sick of Brighton. Six years since they first came up and not a single win over them. Some of the defeats have been utterly embarrassing as well so we have to hope that we turn a left against the Albion today.

De Zerbi has got his Seagulls playing some magnificent football so it will be a very tough test. West Ham have been playing well and thoroughly deserved to beat Chelsea last weekend.

As much as I want to predict a West Ham win, I think Brighton will win this one narrowly.

 *Adam – Brighton 1-2 West Ham*

The curse is finally over! It should have ended when Brighton lost Izqueirdo years ago but the Seagulls have only gotten stronger, with 2023 being no exception. Still, West Ham have some momentum and a new look midfield that could and should prove more difficult to break down. Mix in the set piece superiority with Ward-Prowse at the helm and it should be a different West Ham, one that could and just might earn an unlikely three points.

 *Jimmy – Brighton 2-2 West Ham*

The Hammers have started the season strongly with a tie to Bournemouth and then a huge win over Chelsea. But as we all know Brighton have been a very tough match for West Ham these past few years. I see a lot of goals in this one and I think the Irons can hang on to get a draw at the Amex this Saturday.

 *Louis – Brighton 1-1 West Ham*

My head and my heart are saying two different things for this one.

Whilst we have begun the season in positive fashion, De Zerbi’s Brighton sit top of the table after demolishing both Luton and Wolves in their opening two fixtures, and will rightly be called favourites for this game.

However, I believe that the momentum from the Chelsea victory can carry over, and if we defend well along with countering with ruthlessness, we can gain a hard-earned point

 *Alex- Brighton 2-1 West Ham*

Brighton are a superb team and I fear the curse will continue against them today. Aguerd’s red last week and new signing Konstantinos Mavropanos not yet fit means Moyes may have to deploy a back-four, when in my opinion, a trip to the Amex Stadium suits a five, especially with the slow Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna are getting ran at by the likes of Kaoru Mitoma.

I think Ward-Prowse will be key as our height is an area where we could exploit Brighton. I think the hosts will edge a tight game.