Preview: Solly March makes first start in 18 months – Brighton vs West Ham

Solly March starts for the first time in 553 days as Brighton aim to end their poor spell of form against West Ham.

Solly March suffered an ACL injury in October 2023 against Manchester City, he’s featured a few times the season off the bench and scored in the FA Cup against Norwich this season.

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Brighton haven’t won in any of their last six matches in all competitions, last time at home, they drew 2-2 to Leicester.

However, the Albion have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League matches against the Hammers.

Graham Potter makes his return to the Amex, this time as West Ham boss. In his last visit here as Chelsea boss following his departure from Brighton, he suffered a 4-1 defeat.

Graham Potter said: “I have nothing but love, love and gratitude for my time there.”

Danny Welbeck leads the line for Brighton, a goal for him today would see him hit double digits in a single Premier League campaign for the first time in his career.

Carlos Baleba starts in defence to replace Jan Paul van Hecke who is out with a concussion.

For West Ham, Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns from injury, replacing Vladimar Coufal at right-back.

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If Brighton manage to score first, they will be favourites to see the game out as West Ham have not won a single game this season after going behind.

A win for Fabian Hurzeler’s side would jump into eighth on 51 points and reignite their hopes for European football.

Hurzeler said: “There are many things not going in our direction at the moment but if you’re not staying positive that doesn’t help. Everyone has an impact, not just me, that’s the fans too.”

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Written by Isabelle Newnham