Mark Noble could finish as he started as a West Ham goalscorer today.

But Albion will be out to stop him at the Amex.

The long-serving midfielder is expected to play his final game for the Hammers as the 2021-22 season comes to an end.

Noble make his Hammers debut in August 2004 in a League Cup tie against Southend.

But his first goal for the club did not come until January 2007 – in an FA Cup tie against Albion.

Noble had just returned from a loan spell at Ipswich when he was named in Alan Curbishley’s team to face the Seagulls in a third-round tie at rainswept Upton Park.

His selection was welcomed by Hammers fans, although there was rather more excitement over a start for Carlos Tevez.

Dean Wilkins’ Albion side were in League One, 41 places below their hosts, but fared well in the first half.

BRIGHTON SKIPPER LEWIS DUNK BACKED TO EMULATE MARK NOBLE

The deadlock was broken on 49 minutes when Noble fired past Wayne Henderson from a Tevez lay-off.

Carlton Cole and Hayden Mullins added goals for a Hammers side who sent on Bobby Zamora as sub for the closing stages.

The Albion line-up included Joe O'Cearuill, a young defender brought in at short notice on loan from Arsenal.

Noble has scored 62 goals for West Ham in all competitions – and Albion will be happy if the tally remains unchanged today.

West Ham: Carroll, Dailly, Ferdinand (Spector 45), Gabbidon, McCartney, Benayoun, Mullins, Noble, Boa Morte (Newton 73), Cole (Zamora 68), Tevez. Subs Not Used: Green, Sheringham.

Albion: Henderson, O'Cearuill, Lynch, Butters, Mayo, Fraser (Hart 51), El-Abd, Hammond, Frutos (Rents 67), Revell (Gatting 84), Robinson. Subs Not Used: Kuipers, Carpenter.