West Ham’s inconsistency is no doubt a major cause of frustration for manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The 2-0 away defeat to relegation-threatened Burnley came off the back of a good win against Southampton on Thursday. Pellegrini attributed the loss at Turfmoor to tiredness, and there is certainly some truth to that explanation.

The Hammers are unable to rotate due to injury problems, making this busy festive period a huge challenge in terms of fatigue.

Javier Hernandez remains sidelined with a hamstring strain, while Fabian Balbuena is still out of action with a knee problem. Pablo Zabaleta has been out with a virus for the last two games but could return to the starting eleven to face Brighton tomorrow.

The rest of West Ham’s injuries are long-term with Andriy Yarmolenko (Achilles), Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid, Carlos Sanchez (all knee), Ryan Fredericks (shin) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) all unavailable.

There is also a slight doubt over Robert Snodgrass who was taken off at halftime against Burnley due to a knock. The substitution was only a precaution, though, so he should be ready to face the Seagulls.

Brighton, meanwhile, are hoping to have winger Jose Izquierdo back after a month out due to a knee injury. Manager Chris Hughton has, however, said they won’t rush back the Colombian and could hold him back for this fixture.

The bookmakers make West Ham favourites and the Irons are 19/20 to win with Unibet. A draw is 11/4 with Betfred while a Brighton victory is 10/3 at BetVictor.

West Ham’s Predicted XI To Face Brighton:

Fabianski, Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Diop, Cresswell, Snodgrass, Rice, Noble, Anderson, Perez, Arnautovic

Brighton’s Predicted XI:

Button, Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Bernardo, Locadia, Stephens, Propper, March, Gross, Murray

Predicted Score – 2-1 to West Ham