Playoff final fever is gripping English soccer. Five of the eight soccer clubs in the Premier League with the highest chances of winning promotion to the elite Premier League competition have qualified so far.
Feely West Ham’s last-minute victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship play-off final secured a spot in the top-flight this season, while Derby, Reading, Bolton and Milton Keynes Dons join the top flight for the first time.
West Ham’s newest boss, Spaniard David Moyes, has a lot to build on. Following a successful spell with Everton, Moyes has struggled since he took over from Slaven Bilic last summer at West Ham.
However, his appointment seems to have boosted morale in a team that lacked unity on and off the field last season, and the Red Devils are confident that the new-look team will be in for a run of four or five wins in a row.
For Brighton, manager Chris Hughton has promised to be more competitive than previous Premier League sides the Seagulls have faced.
The Millen working class side was in the Premier League in 2012, but they failed to sustain any meaningful form. Hughton has been drafted in to change the tide. The Seagulls held Manchester United to a goalless draw last season and inflicted a historic first home defeat on Chelsea, but despite their good work, they aren’t regarded as title contenders.
If West Ham want to win the Premier League they’ll need to prevail in this one. Knockoff West Ham is rarely competitive and will need two goals to win a competitive game. Brighton holds the upper hand in the possession stats in the first few games of the season, but will need to be wary that West Ham has the strength in depth to produce counter-attacks when needed.
Kick-off: 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast Info: Fubo TV, SN One, STV, Opta