West Ham forward touted as main threat against Brighton

The Seagulls have a decent record against the Hammers and have not lost to them in the Premier League, although they have drawn the previous five meetings with the London side.

To get a better understanding of the opposition, the Argus spoke to West Ham correspondents Roshane Thomas, from the Athletic and Jack Hobbs from Green Street Hammers.

He has suggested that Graham Potter's side should be wary of English winger Jarrod Bowen, who has scored twice in the Premier League this season.

Jarrod Bowen

Roshane told the Argus: "Brighton is somewhat of a bogey team for West Ham.

"Most of the attacking players are also out of form, but one player who will aim to trouble Brighton's defence is Jarrod Bowen.

"The winger started on the bench for the 2-1 loss at Manchester City, so he will be keen to prove David Moyes wrong and show the type of form which almost led to an England call-up."

Jack however has suggested that Jamaica forward Michail Antonio is the man to be worried about.

He said: "You could mention any one of our attacking players as they’ve all played a crucial part but for me, the one player that Albion should be most afraid of is Michail Antonio.

"With his pace and power, his is going to be a massive problem for the likes of Dunk, Duffy and Lamptey."

Tariq Lamptey

West Ham have had a very good start to the season and are currently sitting in the top four in the Premier League table, as well as topping their Europa League group.

Roshane said: "The players have the belief and the mindset that they deserve to be in and around the top four.

"So far this season West Ham have beaten Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur - some of which featured a second-string side.

"Even following back to back league defeats, West Ham remain fourth in the table.

"The mantra among the players is they'll prove people wrong, so they are keen to show qualifying for the Europa League last season wasn't a fluke. They harbour hopes of finishing in the top four.

"It's been a group effort and, besides the players, Moyes and his coaching staff have transformed the coach."

• READ MORE: David Moyes confirms West Ham star is doubt for Brighton match

Jack said: "I think a big part of this is the team morale and unity that Moyes has created in the dressing room.

"The players fight for each other and for the badge and that’s all you can ever dream of and ask for from your players.

"The team unity has also played a massive part in helping carry on our great form from last season."

Despite covering West Ham on a full-time basis, Roshane and Jack have still noticed the good start to the season, Albion are currently 9th in the Premier League and are only five points off the Champions League places.

They has also been able to tell that the club are lacking a consistent goal threat, something that was evident in the game against Leeds United on Saturday that ended goalless, despite Albion's heavy dominance.

Roshane told the Argus: "Brighton have had a good start to the season and similar to West Ham could do with a consistent scorer upfront.

"Now seems to be the perfect time to face Graham Potter's side, especially after the booing incident.

• READ MORE: West Ham manager David Moyes full of praise for Brighton

Jack said: "I’ve been very impressed watching Brighton this season and I’ve really enjoyed the football they’ve been playing as a neutral.

"Potter seems to have really implemented his playing style with these players and its working out really well on the pitch for them.

"The only thing that has held them back from an even better start is upfront in my opinion.

"They’ve been dominating games but not putting them to bed and that had punished them on multiple occasions."

Both have picked different Albion players as who they think are the most threatening to David Moyes' side.

Roshane said: "Lewis Dunk because it's just written in the stars for him to score from a set-piece.

Lewis Dunk scored against West Ham in the same fixture last season

"I think he's solid defender, and it wasn't long when he was being linked with moves to a big side. So I expect him to give Michail Antonio and Co a difficult battle.

Jack said: "There are a couple of players that Brighton have that worry me one of them being Lamptey as I think he’s a great talent and he will be such a threat down the right-hand side, especially with Cresswell seemingly injured.

"However, I think the player that worries me the most is Leandro Trossard, the Belgian is such an attacking threat and he’ll definitely cause Zouma and Dawson some problems on Wednesday."