Brighton have burst out of the gates this season. They're rocking a perfect 3-0 record after laying some smackdowns on Luton and Wolves. New boss Roberto De Zerbi has got them playing some jaw-dropping stuff.
Now the Hammers, they ain't messing around either. They just took down big-spending Chelsea 3-1 in a massive win. David Moyes' boys showed some serious guts and grind to get it done.
This match has got entertainment written all over it, people. Two all-out attacking teams oozing with confidence.
The fiery contest will take place on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at the American Express Community Stadium.
Brighton's flying start to the new season continued as they put woeful Wolves to the sword in a 4-0 rout. The free-flowing Seagulls were at their devastating best, carving open the hosts at will to secure a third straight win.
With such sparkling early season form, Brighton fans are starting to dream about what this stylish side could achieve under new boss Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian has seamlessly built on Graham Potter's impressive foundations. Despite losing key players, Brighton continue to blossom into one of the league's most attack-minded outfits.
At Molineux, it was Brighton's dazzling array of emerging talents that did the damage. Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma announced himself with a dazzling solo goal, leaving the Wolves defense twisted and bloodied.
The Seagulls doubled their lead after the break thanks to marauding left-back Pervis Estupinan, who celebrated like he'd scored in a World Cup final. Clearly no one reminded the Ecuadorian defender that tap-ins from two yards are fairly routine.
Not content with a two goal cushion, Brighton then went for the jugular. The Seagulls' passing carousel left Wolves chasing shadows, allowing Solly March to help himself to two simple finishes.
By the end, the home fans could only applaud in admiration at the show they had witnessed. Shellshocked Wolves had no answer as Brighton's young guns shot them to pieces.
Manager De Zerbi deserves huge credit for getting his stylish side to play with such swagger and confidence. Since his arrival last year, only the mighty Liverpool and Man City have scored more league goals than rampant Brighton.
The Italian has cultivated an attack-at-all costs mindset, with Brighton hunting goals like ravenous seagulls chasing stray chips. Despite losing key players year after year, their upward trajectory continues unchecked.
After back-to-back 4-1 wins, Brighton now sit proudly atop the Premier League summit. With scintillating performances like this,who knows how long they can remain the top birds in the land?
West Ham showed that money can't always buy success as they outfought big-spending Chelsea to claim a gutsy 3-1 win. The Hammers demonstrated true grit and determination to down the expensively assembled Blues.
Despite Chelsea splurging close to £1 billion over the past year, they came unstuck against the Hammers' streetwise resolve. It was a victory carved out in the image of manager David Moyes.
West Ham drew first blood from a set piece, Chelsea's expensive superstars failing at the basics. Kurt Zouma, a former Hammer, gifted possession to James Ward-Prowse who whipped in an inviting cross. Defender Aguerd climbed highest to plant a header past hapless keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Shellshocked Chelsea responded well to falling behind, playing some silky football. Their pressure told when teenager Carney Chukwuemeka smashed in a sizzling equalizer. It was a strike worth 10 times his £20 million transfer fee.
The Blues had their tails up and should have gone ahead before the break. But summer signing Enzo Fernandez fluffed a penalty after Soucek upended Sterling. The Argentine's tame spot kick was easily turned away by keeper Lukasz Fabianski.
It proved a pivotal moment as, after the interval, West Ham emerged fired up and restored their lead. This time it was Ward-Prowse turning provider again, freeing Michail Antonio who barged aside Chelsea's new boy Benoit Badiashile before clinically finishing.
The hosts refused to sit back on their lead, putting their bodies on the line as Chelsea pressed for an equalizer. After Aguerd was dismissed, the Hammers rearguard put in a defiant backs-to-the-wall display.
The gallant 10 men tamed Chelsea's array of attacking talents, snuffing out their attempts to penetrate. When late chances fell to substitutes, they found Hammers keeper Fabianski in inspired form between the sticks.
It was a huge statement win for West Ham in front of their buoyant home support. While Chelsea's expensive squad overhaul continues, this tight-knit Hammers side showed that team spirit and togetherness can conquer superior talent.
Manager Moyes deserves immense credit for fostering such resolve and steel within his squad. After losing key players, many wrote off West Ham's chances this season.
And yet they came back strong and will be up against a red hot Brighton side.
Brighton Predicted Lineup:
Bart Verbruggen, Pervis Estupiñán, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, James Milner, Mahmoud Dahoud, Pascal Groß, Kaoru Mitoma, Julio Enciso, Solly March, Evan Ferguson
West Ham Predicted Lineup:
Alphonse Areola, Emerson, Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma, Vladimir Coufal, James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, Saïd Benrahma, Lucas Paquetá, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio
We got an epic midfield throwdown on tap between Brighton's assist machine Adam Lallana and West Ham's defensive anchor James Ward-Prowse.
Lallana's been pulling the strings for the Seagulls with his crazy vision and silky skills. He's gonna be tested by Prowse though, who breaks up play better than any other
Prowse will try to shut down Brighton's main creative hub Lallana. But if Lallana escapes the shackles, his slick passing could unlock the Hammers. A true midfield masterclass awaits.