Graham Potter's career has progressed as planned since leaving Brighton and Hove Albion and he returns to the Amex Stadium with a point to prove after a poor start to his reign as West Ham United boss.
The Englishman earned a move to Chelsea off the back of his sterling work with the Seagulls but Potter didn't even see out a full season at Stamford Bridge as his big step up ended in tears.
He bided his time before returning to the dugout but was eventually tempted back in January when West Ham lost patience with Julen Lopetegui.
Results have got worse since Potter took charge, though, and last week's dismal 1-1 home draw with relegated Southampton kept them fourth bottom of the table.
What has dented Potter's reputation further is that Brighton have gone up a gear since his departure, with successor Roberto De Zerbi taking them into Europe.
The Seagulls replaced the Italian with 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler last summer and the German now stands a chance of leading them back into continental competition.
A run of five league games without a win has dented their European hopes, with two bets landing for me as they lost 4-2 at Brentford last weekend. So Hurzeler will be determined to bounce back with a win against a Hammers side who just want a disappointing season to end.
How the bookies view it: Seagulls odds-on favourites
West Ham's poor run of results sees them installed as 15/4 outsiders with BoyleSports for this one. Brighton's form isn't hot either so they look too short at 8/13 while the draw pays 3/1.
Recent head to head: Quick on the draw
This fixture has been kind to those who play the football pools of late, with eight of the last 12 meetings ending in draws. The last two clashes in London have ended level but the Hammers won 3-1 on their last visit to the Amex.
Players to watch: Mitoma back in business
Kaoru Mitoma came off the bench to score for Brighton last weekend and that should earn the Japanese star a return to the starting line-up here. The winger is 9/4 at BoyleSports for anytime scorer while Paddy Power are offering 11/10 on a goal or an assist.
Jarrod Bowen is the only West Ham player to have shown a bit of consistency this season and he should provide their biggest threat again. The England international looks a bit overpriced at 3/1 for a goal given Brighton have been poor at the back of late.
Probable line-ups
Brighton are without star striker Joao Pedro after his red card at Brentford but their injury issues in defence are probably more of a concern. Jean Paul van Hecke was taken to hospital last weekend after a sickening clash of heads and looks set to join Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey, Joel Veltman and Igor Julio on the sidelines.
West Ham are sweating on the fitness of full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka while forwards Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville remain out.
Brighton and Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Dunk, Wieffer, Baleba, Estupinan, Minteh, March, O'Riley, Hinshelwood, Mitoma, Welbeck.
West Ham United: Areola, Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Scarles, Soler, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Fullkrug.
Anything else catch the eye?
Brighton's injury problems in defence are the main reason behind their poor recent results and even this misfiring West Ham side will fancy their chances against such a weakened backline.
Combining BTTS with over 2.5 goals looks good at 11/10 with BoyleSports while over 3.5 match strikes pays 17/10 with the same firm.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba may have to play in central defence again with so many players out and he's 10/3 at Bet365 to collect an 11th card of the season.
This English Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United will be played on and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton and Hove Albion vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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