Brighton and Hove Albion vs West Ham lineup news: De Zerbi makes shock change and summer signing is handed his first start for the Hammers
Brighton’s new shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen will start for the Seagulls with Jason Steele being dropped to the bench.
Evan Ferguson is also making his first start of the season, as Julio Enciso misses out due to an injury, while Brazilian defender Igor Julio makes the bench for Brighton.
Roberto De Zerbi has opted for just the two changes to his starting lineup.
West Ham will be looking to make it back-to-back wins following their impressive 3-1 victory at home against Chelsea last week and David Moyes has brought summer signing Edson Alvarez into the starting lineup while Said Benrahma is dropped to the bench.
Veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna will also start for West Ham as he replaces the suspended Nayef Aguerd, who was sent off against Chelsea.
West Ham will start the game with just the two changes to their starting-11.
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West Ham United blow as Everton close to £25m deal to sign Udinese striker Beto
Everton are set to win the race for Udinese striker Beto ahead of West Ham United after tabling a bid worth £25m, according to Graeme Bailey.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (26 August), the 90min journalist reports that the Hammers have “taken a close look” at the Brazilian forward as they look to replace Gianluca Scamacca following his move to Atalanta.
But Beto won’t be coming to the London Stadium now as he closes in on a move to Goodison Park instead, while West Ham edge closer to bringing in Mohammed Kudus.
“Everton have put together a package worth £25m for Udinese striker Beto and sources suggest deal is close,” he wrote.
“West Ham amongst clubs to have taken a close look at Beto but Everton could finally land striker they are desperate to bring in.”
No worries
It may seem like a blow to West Ham to miss out on a striker when we haven’t signed anyone to replace Scamacca yet, especially when the team you’re missing out to is Everton.
They have no money and are battling relegation already after two defeats in two games, but they can offer him regular first-team football and with Danny Ings and Michail Antonio at the club still we can’t do the same.
Antonio has started the season well and Ings is a proven commodity in the Premier League, while Kudus is also capable of playing as a number nine if necessary and has a great eye for goal.
Add to that the fact youngster Divin Mubama has impressed in pre-season and there is an argument that we don’t even need to replace Scamacca directly this summer.
That would explain not making the move for Beto and Everton being able to seal a deal, but if Moyes did want him then it is a blow with less than a week remaining of the window.
