West Ham can ill-afford to drop any more points as the end of the Premier League 2020/21 season comes into view.
Following a disappointing defeat to Everton last weekend the Hammers sit six points outside the top four with a game in hand over Chelsea.
Separating the two cross London sides are Liverpool, who themselves also have a game in hand over those inside the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots.
This all means David Moyes’ side must be near perfect in order to fight their way back in – starting with the trip to Brighton on Saturday night.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has been predicting the weekend Premier League action once again for his column on BBC Sport and has tipped the sides to play out a 1-1 draw.
West Ham’s home defeat by Everton last weekend all but finished off their hopes of making the top four, even though it is still mathematically possible. I see more frustration for David Moyes’ side here too. Brighton will be without suspended duo Lewis Dunk and Neal Maupay after their red cards against Wolves. That should help the Hammers, but I still think Brighton will get something out of the game.
Whilst Brighton may be missing key players, Moyes will be hoping to welcome back Declan Rice and Angelo Ogbonna.
The Scot remained tight-lipped over the fitness of the duo, however, there remains hope at least one of the returning stars will make it.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
After such a vast improvement from last season, it would be difficult to be critical were the Irons to miss out on Europe altogether.
But, having been in the mix all season to fall at the last would no doubt be a painful pill to swallow.
Whether it be UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League or the newly formed UEFA Conference League, the Hammers need to be competing on the continent in 2021/22 and a positive result here would all but guarantee it.
