Brighton & Hove Albion welcome West Ham United to the Amex Stadium on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with both sides looking for valuable points in Women’s Super League Matchweek 7.
Our Brighton vs West Ham preview examines the teams’ recent form, injury updates, predicted line-ups and the tactical battles that could decide the contest. Brighton sit 12th with five points from six matches, while West Ham are ninth with six. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:15pm BST.
Brighton Searching for Consistency Under Arturo Ruiz
Brighton suffered a 3-2 defeat against Manchester City last weekend, but their response after falling three goals behind offered encouragement.
Arturo Ruiz’s side conceded three times inside 18 minutes before Olivia Garcia and Caitlin Hayes reduced the deficit before half-time. Although Brighton could not complete the comeback, their performance demonstrated the attacking quality available to the Spanish coach.
Ruiz praised his players’ resilience while acknowledging that the opening stages were unacceptable. The Seagulls have scored ten goals in six WSL matches but have also conceded ten, leaving them without a clean sheet this season.
Their only league victory came against Charlton Athletic, whom they defeated 5-1 earlier this month. Ruiz believes Brighton are making progress in training but recognises that results must improve quickly. He described the upcoming fixtures as important for the direction of their season.
West Ham Building on Crystal Palace Victory
West Ham arrive after securing a valuable 1-0 victory away to Crystal Palace, with Kelly Gago scoring the decisive goal. It was the Hammers’ second league victory of the campaign and offered encouragement following an inconsistent start under Rita Guarino.
However, West Ham were beaten 2-1 by London City Lionesses in the Subway Players Cup on Wednesday. The Hammers have scored five league goals while conceding ten. Their attacking output remains a concern, although the return of injured players could improve their options.
Guarino has emphasised the importance of consistency and praised captain Katie Zelem for her experience, positional awareness and ability to organise midfield play.
Brighton vs West Ham Team News
Brighton are still managing several injuries. Nadia Krezyman is getting closer to returning, but Ruiz indicated that the club’s other unavailable players remain in rehabilitation.
West Ham have received positive news regarding Ebony Salmon, who is back in contention after recovering from an injury sustained against Manchester United in September.
Ffion Morgan also returned to action against London City in midweek, making her first appearance after approximately five months out. Riko Ueki remains sidelined with a calf injury. Salmon’s availability gives Guarino another attacking option, although her return does not necessarily mean she will start.
Brighton vs West Ham Predicted Line-ups
Both predictions are based on recent WSL selections and the latest injury information. Official starting teams will be confirmed closer to kick-off.
Brighton predicted XI (4-1-4-1):
Nnadozie; Auée, Hayes, George, Vanegas; Symonds; Seike, Kirby, Čanković, Garcia; Tvedten.
West Ham predicted XI (4-3-3):
Picaud-Inconnu; Belloumou, Codina, Cascarino, Riesen; Kumagai, Zelem, Siren; Piubel, Asseyi, Gago.
Brighton could retain the side that responded strongly against Manchester City, while West Ham may stick with the starting XI that defeated Crystal Palace. Salmon and Morgan offer additional options from the bench.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Analysis
The teams shared victories in their most recent competitive meetings. West Ham won their February 2026 WSL encounter 3-2, before Brighton claimed a 2-1 victory in the Women’s FA Cup later that month.
Brighton have averaged 54.3% possession this season, compared with West Ham’s 43.5%, suggesting Ruiz’s side could control more of the ball.
However, West Ham demonstrated against Crystal Palace that they can create opportunities through aggressive pressing. Their winning goal followed a turnover high up the pitch.
Brighton must therefore balance their attacking ambition with greater security in possession. Kiko Seike’s movement and attacking threat could trouble the visitors, while West Ham will look towards Gago and Viviane Asseyi to exploit space on the counterattack.
The midfield contest involving Zelem and Brighton captain Maisie Symonds could also influence which side controls the tempo.
Brighton vs West Ham Prediction
Brighton’s attacking record and home advantage give them a slight edge, but West Ham’s improved confidence after beating Crystal Palace makes this a difficult fixture to predict.
The hosts have shown greater goalscoring potential, although their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern.
If Brighton can avoid the mistakes that cost them against Manchester City, they should have enough attacking quality to secure a narrow victory.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 West Ham United.
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