“Don’t overthink it…”: Neville and Keane at odds over West Ham vs. Brighton prediction.

West Ham will host Brighton this Saturday (21 December) after earning a draw against Bournemouth in their previous match, while Brighton suffered a heavy defeat to rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium.

Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football alongside Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, and Ian Wright (19 December, 1:11:18), Gary Neville predicted a draw, citing the unpredictability of the fixture, while Roy Keane pointed to Brighton’s defensive struggles as the reason West Ham might secure a win.

“We’re guessing, aren’t we? Don’t overthink it. We haven’t a clue, so I’ll go 1-1,” Neville said.

“[Brighton] can’t defend. West Ham win,” Keane added, with Scott predicting: “2-1.”

Goals likely at the London Stadium?

While Keane criticized Brighton’s defending, West Ham’s own defensive record isn’t much better.

Julen Lopetegui’s side has conceded four more league goals than Brighton this season.

However, Brighton has scored five more goals, placing them ninth in the Premier League and five points ahead of the Hammers.

This matchup hints at plenty of action, especially as West Ham gained confidence from securing a draw at Bournemouth, despite conceding a late Enes Unal free-kick.

Lopetegui may have bought himself some time, but his position remains precarious with another poor performance potentially reigniting pressure.

Brighton, eager to bounce back from their loss to Palace, will look to capitalize on West Ham’s vulnerabilities.

However, the Hammers will be equally motivated, making this clash unpredictable.

It could deliver end-to-end action or descend into a dull stalemate—such is the nature of the Premier League.