We're deep into stoppage time here, and Łukasz Fabiański has just kept the score at 1-1.

After a Brighton attack, the ball falls to Yasin Ayari at point-blank range, but he can only strike at our No1, who stands tall to parry the ball away.

Another shot then comes Fabiański's way, but he manages to keep it out once again.

Moments later, Aaron Wan-Bissaka does brilliantly to clear a cross on the line, before being taken out by Tariq Lamptey.

Not long left, now.

Now it's the Hammers pushing for the winner.

First, Jarrod Bowen wins a corner, and after it's cleared, a long throw into the Brighton box isn't dealt with well.

West Ham come back and Edson Álvarez picks up the ball on the edge of the area, before curling a shot at goal. Bart Verbruggen makes a good save, at full stretch.

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It's been a decent spell for the Irons, but they're lucky not to be behind, there.

Substitute Yankuba Minteh picks up possession in space on the right, and he crosses low. It's deflected on to the post, and then cleared near-enough off the line in a bit of a panic.

There are little under eight minutes to play here - will either team find a winner?

It's better from the home side.

First, Crysencio Summerville latches onto a loose ball and drives forward, but can't get his shot away in time to really test Bart Verbruggen.

Then, a great cross-field ball works its way to Ollie Scarles on the left, but his cross is cleared by a Brighton body.

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It's been a bit of a flat few minutes here in east London, without any real chances for either team.

Brighton are in command of the ball, though, and look dangerous when they push forward.

Can someone in Claret and Blue spark a moment of magic in the last quarter-of-an-hour?

It's another chance for the Seagulls, after a period of sustained pressure.

The ball comes out to substitute Yasin Ayari, just inside the box, and his shot is deflected off Edson Álvarez and then pushed away by Łukasz Fabiański.

Fabian Hürzeler is about to bring make a triple change.

The two goals have certainly livened things up here at London Stadium, and the crowd are getting behind the Hammers.

Having just conceded, Brighton go in search of the lead again, and a dangerous ball is deflected by Edson Álvarez into the path of Kaoru Mitoma at the back post. Mitoma crosses again and Łukasz Fabiański clears with a punch, and West Ham escape.

It's been a decent start to the second half for the visitors, who have spent most of the last few minutes in the home half.

João Pedro has been busy, and then Brajan Gruda sends in a looping free-kick to the back post that is knocked out for a corner.

West Ham manage to clear, and then profit from an offside decision as they try to break.

It's a good chance for Brighton, but they can't take it.

Dinos Mavropanos loses possession around halfway, and then João Pedro and Pervis Estupiñán link up well to open up an opportunity down the left.

There's space for a shot in the box, but Estupiñán loses his footing and slips over, allowing the Hammers to clear.

Four additional minutes have been indicated here at London Stadium.

It's a good chance for West Ham, but it's miles over.

The Hammers quickly get forward, and Emerson does well out on the left to work himself into space before finding a teammate.

He opts to play it back to the edge of the area, in the direction of Lucas Paquetá, but the latter mis-times his effort from a central position, and it flies well off target.

Brighton are being treated to too much space in the middle of the pitch, and they make inroads again here with Mats Wieffer making up lots of ground.

The Dutchman then finds João Pedro down the left, who exhibits some neat footwork to drive into the box, before he is finally intercepted by a man in Claret and Blue.

Niclas Füllkrug then does well to bring down the ball, but can't quite find Jarrod Bowen with his pass. Things just not clicking for the Hammers, at the moment.

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Better from the Hammers.

It's a neat team move, that starts with a long ball over the top, that is nodded down by Niclas Füllkrug into the path of Mohammed Kudus. Kudus plays a neat one-two with Lucas Paquetá and then feeds Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who delivers a nice cross into the box from the right.

Tomáš Souček just can't get his head to it, and Brighton clear for a corner that is then dealt with as well.

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He's not been called into action too many times so far, but West Ham needed Łukasz Fabiański there.

It's a patient move from Brighton, and there are plenty of touches for several of their players before João Pedro loops a neat ball to the back post, and Kaoru Mitoma is there to hit it with venom towards the near post.

Thankfully, Fabiański gets down well and parries the ball away, to keep it 0-0. Mitoma is then penalised for a foul on Bowen in the aftermath.

Mohammed Kudus fouls Brajan Gruda on the right corner of the box, and Brighton have a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Gruda sends it in, and then the ball flies up, but while Mats Wieffer beats Maximilian Kilman in the air, it goes out for a goal-kick.

It's a good spell for those in Claret and Blue, and Jarrod Bowen whips in a corner from the right, that lands close to away goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. It's tipped away, and Brighton escape for now.

Bowen has been involved from the start, chipping in with a couple of tidy tackles as well as his attacking work, but it's Mohammed Kudus who is looking for an opening this time.

Our No14 picks up possession from a long Edson Álvarez pass, on the left, but he's flagged offside.

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West Ham have had more of the ball in the last few minutes, and Jarrod Bowen helps himself to a chance in the eighth minute.

Dinos Mavropanos sends a ball over the top to the home No20, and he latches onto it down the right, before driving towards goal. It's a tight angle but Bowen doens't have any options in the box, and he prods a strike at Bart Verbruggen.

It's tipped away from the target, but it's good from the hosts and that's riled up the supporters.

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It's been a pretty steady start at London Stadium, with not much to write home about just yet.

Niclas Füllkrug has been involved, having been caught offside on a couple of occasions, but there hasn't been any clear-cut chances in the opening four minutes.

Brighton are holding possession deep, looking for an opening, while West Ham have sent a few long balls over the top.

After the players' handshake has taken place, both teams line up around the centre circle ahead of a one-minute period of applause in memory of Oscar Fairs.

Oscar's parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, along with the U15 Academy squad and coaches, Mark Noble and Kenny Brown, walk out to join the teams on the edge of the centre circle, with Oscar’s teammates carrying his shirt.

While a tribute is read out by the matchday announcer, an image of Oscar is displayed on the big screens and the one-minute applause is conducted by all inside London Stadium.

The referee's whistle sounds, and we're almost ready to get underway here.

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The warm-ups are finished, the Redbridge Brass Band have finished up their Christmas songs, and we're almost ready to go.

As part of the tribute to Oscar Fairs, the Academy U15 squad and their coaches are escorted pitchside for the teams' walk-out. They are joined by Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, along with Sporting Director Mark Noble and Academy Manager Kenny Brown.

And here come the teams, as Bubbles blasts through the speakers.

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Julen Lopetegui has made two changes to his West Ham United starting XI for Saturday’s match at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Niclas Füllkrug handed a first Premier League start for the Club.

The 31-year-old striker is in Lopetegui's top-flight team for the first time since joining the Club in August in place of the suspended Carlos Soler, who misses the clash at London Stadium after being booked for the fifth time this season in Monday’s 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth.

The other switch sees Emerson return to our defence at left-back, with Vladimír Coufal dropping to the bench and Aaron Wan-Bissaka moving to right-back. Emerson appears for the 98th time in West Ham colours.

West Ham United: Fabiański, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson, Álvarez, Souček, Kudus, Paquetá, Bowen ©, Füllkrug
Subs: Areola (GK), Scarles, Coufal, Todibo, Irving, Rodríguez, Luis Guilherme, Summerville, Ings

Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk ©, Estupiñán, Baleba, Gruda, Wieffer, Mitoma, Rutter, João Pedro
Subs: Steele (GK), Lamptey, Julio, Ayari, Minteh, O’Riley, Enciso, Adringa, Ferguson

Referee: Rob Jones

Click HERE for full team news.

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With just 15 minutes to go until kick-off here, let's have a look at some quick-fire stats related to the game...

• West Ham are aiming to remain unbeaten in three successive league games for the first time this season.
• Brighton have gone four Premier League matches without a win (D2, L2), with only Southampton currently on a longer such run.
• Jarrod Bowen's next league goal will be the 100th of his career, while today's appearance will be his 300th.
• The Seagulls are one of just three sides, along with Chelsea and Liverpool, to have scored in all of their away league fixtures so far this season.

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The warm-up is underway here at London Stadium, with the usual hordes of players and support staff filling the pitch.

As mentioned earlier, the Hammers are paying tribute to Academy of Football goalkeeper Oscar Fairs - who tragically died last week - by wearing special t-shirts in the lead up to kick-off.

There has been a brass band treating fans inside London Stadium to Christmas carols, while Santa is here and has been saying hello to many of the children in attendance!

Just 20 minutes to go until the match gets started.

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Ahead of kick-off against Brighton & Hove Albion, Head Coach Julen Lopetegui shared his thoughts with the media.

He said: "It has been a hard week for my family and me too, but life continues and we have to stay with all our energy and commitment, to be ready to face a big challenge today, together with the team.

"I think we did positive things [against Bournemouth], but each match is different, and we have to focus on today’s match. We have a dangerous opponent, with good players, and we have to be ready to face them and do our best in front of our fans.

"He [Jarrod Bowen] has consolidated his place as a Premier League player, and we are happy to have him here as a player and a person. I think he’s achieved such good numbers because as well as being a good player, he is a hard worker.

"Niclas [Füllkrug] has had some tough months with injury. He is going to help us, and we are happy to have him back and from the start today."

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West Ham United’s 2024/25 Official Programme for today’s Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium is available to purchase online now!

At 116 pages, the publication remains the largest in English football, while this year each Premier League issue also comes with a bespoke cover illustration and an eight-page pullout, complete with an eye-catching poster, a brainteasing quiz and plenty of games for our younger Hammers.

Still priced at just £4, the Official Programme represents superb value for money for supporters of all ages wanting exclusive interviews, attention-grabbing opinions and eye-catching photographs, plus the regular news, columns and statistics and insightful content from across all areas of the Club.

The Official Programme is the definitive Claret and Blue publication for West Ham fans.

Our eleventh issue of the season is led by an extensive interview with our Polish No1 Łukasz Fabiański, who discusses his star performances back in the starting XI, his longevity between the sticks and his love for the festive period. Fabiański features on the Christmas-themed programme cover, which has been created by Dale James.

We also have words from Club captain Jarrod Bowen, Head Coach Julen Lopetegui and Steve Blowers’ chat with former Hammers and Seagulls midfielder Alan Curbishley, as we continue celebrating the 50th anniversary of our 1975 FA Cup win, while we've got exciting features with Emerson and Guido Rodríguez, exclusive columns galore, stats and in-depth analysis from Analytics United, too!

With the latest news from our Academy, women’s team and Foundation, plus puzzles, statistics and the lowdown on our opponents from the American Express Stadium, the Official Programme is packed full of content for you!

Click HERE to get your copy!

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West Ham United defender Maximilian Kilman shared his thoughts ahead of kick-off against Brighton & Hove Albion.

He said: "It was frustrating to concede in the last minute against Bournemouth on Monday night, but there are a lot of positives we can take from that game, and coming in today, we have a lot of confidence.

"I think from the start of the season we knew our objectives and how the boss wants us to play. Of course, we’ve got a great squad and amazing players, and we just have to put it all together. Hopefully we can kick on from here.

"We've been working on a lot of different things. We want to hold the ball more, and regain the ball higher up the pitch. We’re working hard, and hopefully things will continue to improve."

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Today's 3pm kick-off will NOT be broadcast live in the UK, but will be shown across the world by the Premier League’s international broadcast partners.

If you live outside the UK, click HERE for details of Premier League listings in your territory.

You can follow the action via our live blog here on whufc.com and our app, and across our social media channels. We will also have highlights and exclusive reaction for you after the final whistle on our website and social media.

Live audio commentary will be available in the UK on BBC Radio 5 live, and worldwide on our official website and app.

Ahead of the festive period, goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański wants to provide West Ham United fans with the perfect Christmas present: three points against Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium this afternoon.

The Hammers head into the Premier League clash with four points from their last two games and are looking to record back-to-back victories in east London for the second time this season.

After beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in the capital, Julen Lopetegui’s side played out a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth - a game the Poland international starred in.

The shot-stopper made eight saves at Vitality Stadium and would have been rewarded with his fourth clean sheet in all competitions this term had Enes Ünal’s free-kick not found the top corner late on.

While West Ham could have walked away with more than a point on Monday night, attentions are now firmly on the visit of the Seagulls and Fabiański hopes to turn the momentum from recent matches into an early festive gift for the Irons faithful.

“You want to repay the fans for all the support they’ve given us this season,” explained the Hammers' No1. “So sending them home for the next couple of days and letting them enjoy their Christmas on the back of three points is massive.

“I think we’re all really looking forward to this one and want to make sure that we perform well. We want to get a decent result, because that’s the main thing. That would be the best gift that we could give to our fans."

For more from Fabiański, click HERE.

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The festive season is underway and you can celebrate every day in the run-up to Christmas with our digital Advent Calendar!

Starting on 1 December, each day between now and Christmas Eve we’ve got a treat for you with prizes to be won behind every door of the calendar.

So you can count down to Christmas with the Hammers by visiting whufc.com each day for the chance to win a selection of massive prizes and offers.

All you have to do is open the door to reveal the giveaway, with the fun starting today right here!

Make sure you head to whufc.com to access the calendar – you won’t want to miss out with prizes from the Hammers and our partners Umbro, Jeton, Lyca Mobile, EVA Air, P1 Travel, Heineken, Soccer Supplement and Marc Darcy to be won!

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Is there a better-run club in English football than Brighton & Hove Albion?

Despite selling a succession of players for combined fees totalling more than £400million since the summer of 2021, the Seagulls continue to fly high in the Premier League.

Ben White, Dan Burn, Leandro Trossard, Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma, Alexis Mac Allister, Robert Sánchez, Moisés Caicedo, Pascal Groß and Billy Gilmour have all departed the American Express Stadium in recent seasons and gone on to impress at their respective new homes.

While some clubs might have struggled after losing such a large number of seemingly vital members of their squad, Brighton have somehow continued to compete in the best league in the world.

Brighton’s owner since 2009, local businessman Tony Bloom is the man who has overseen the incredible transformation on the Sussex coast.

Under Bloom’s leadership, Brighton have risen from EFL League One to reach the knockout stages of last season’s UEFA Europa League.

The question every other club in the country should surely be asking is, how?

Put simply, Brighton have a philosophy which they follow, on and off the pitch, and they stick to it.

While some may panic-buy when results or performances dip, Brighton have stuck to their principles - namely identifying young, up-and-coming, talented players and coaches with the potential to develop and improve to the highest level.

While many clubs are reticent to offer opportunities to those players and coaches, instead opting for experienced - almost always far more expensive - alternatives, Brighton’s assured confidence in their philosophy means they are not afraid to try out the untested on the pitch and in the dugout.

In 2018, Bloom bought Belgian second-tier club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (USG). They won promotion in 2021, then finished second in the top-flight and won the Belgian Cup last season.

USG have also assisted Brighton by serving as a testing ground for some of the young players bought by the Seagulls, then sent on loan to Brussels, including current starters Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma.

Brighton have also developed an outstanding worldwide scouting network that has seen them bring in a succession of future stars from overseas, with South America a particular area of strength.

In the dugout, Bloom has also made a series of appointments of head coaches with no previous Premier League managerial experience, including Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi and, in the summer just gone, 31-year-old German Fabian Hürzeler.

Of course, sport is not science, but former gambler Bloom and his Brighton have seemingly found a winning formula.

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Hammers forward Viviane Asseyi has been shortlisted for the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month award for December.

The 31-year-old completed the full 90 minutes of both of West Ham United women’s team’s league outings this month, and duly scored against each of Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Now up to three goals in ten WSL appearances in 2024/25, Asseyi also notched her third assist of the campaign in the thumping 5-2 win over Palace, playing a key role on a memorable afternoon for Rehanne Skinner’s side.

Also on target against the Eagles on 8 December was young defender Anouk Denton, whose 82nd-minute strike has been nominated for the Barclays WSL Goal of the Month gong.

The 21-year-old helped put gloss on the scoreline at Chigwell Construction Stadium when she picked up possession from Riko Ueki just past halfway before driving all the way to the edge of the box and sending a left-footed effort past the reach of Shae Yanez.

Voting for both awards will close at 11am GMT on Friday 27 December, with the winners set to be announced on Thursday 9 January.

You can vote for Asseyi HERE, and Denton HERE.

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As part of the Players’ Project - West Ham United’s initiative where players from the men’s, women’s and Academy teams regularly engage with the local community - eleven U18s players visited the Ambition Aspire Achieve warehouse in Beckton to take part in the Kevin Jenkins OBE Toy Appeal.

The young players worked alongside volunteers from across Newham, sorting through donated toys and preparing Christmas gift bundles that will be distributed to children in need. The U21s also contributed to the appeal by donating toys themselves.

Based in Newham, in the heart of the West Ham United community, Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA) is a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in need, including those with disabilities or additional needs.

While AAA’s work spans various services - such as after-school clubs, disability-specific activities and youth outreach projects - the annual Christmas Toy Appeal is one of their cornerstone initiatives.

Each year, the appeal receives referrals from social services, schools, homeless shelters and other community agencies. This year, AAA aims to provide Christmas gifts to over 2,500 children, relying entirely on donations from individuals, businesses and volunteers.

“The Club has been supporting our organisation for many years,” explained AAA Chief Executive Jonny Boux. “Over the last three years, we’ve had players visiting the warehouse to take part in the Christmas Toy Appeal.

“We’ve now reached the threshold where over 50 per cent of young people in Newham are growing up in relative or absolute poverty. These families often can’t make ends meet, let alone provide presents at Christmas. If you don’t have those experiences when you’re young, it affects your sense of belonging and worth. It makes the ladder into adulthood so much harder to climb.”

Click HERE for more.

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Prior to today's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, Irons Supporting Foodbanks made their annual visit to Rush Green Training Ground to collect hundreds of food items that had been donated by West Ham United first-team players, staff and the Club.

Captain Jarrod Bowen and players joined lifelong West Ham fan and Irons Supporting Foodbanks founder John Ratomski, and he showed them the many items of food that had been donated to the cause.

After sorting through boxes of food, the players helped load items into the van that Joint-Chairman David Sullivan provided the funds to purchase in 2020, enabling Irons Supporting Foodbanks to collect and deliver food and clothing to homeless centres across the London Borough of Newham.

Irons Supporting Foodbanks have a longstanding relationship with the Club, and Ratomski was grateful for the continued support and the ever-growing partnership with West Ham United.

Ratomski said: “It’s always a thrill to come to Rush Green for our annual collection and to be involved with the players and Club. We’re so grateful that the Club and players show a passionate interest in supporting what we do.

“The donations are going to be very well received by everyone at the food banks that we work with. This is the fourth year we’ve had a Christmas collection at the Club and we’re so grateful that there is a strong link between the Club and Irons Supporting Foodbanks.”

“It was an honour to welcome John [Ratomski] and his volunteers to Rush Green,” added Bowen. “The Irons Supporting Foodbanks are doing a great job to support the local community. We’re so grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time to tackling food poverty, and we’re really pleased to be able to give them our support with our donations."

Click HERE for more.

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Players from West Ham United’s men’s first-team squad spread festive cheer to brave youngsters at Queen’s Hospital in Romford when they visited to wish young patients, staff and families a Merry Christmas.

Maximilian Kilman, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings and Andy Irving arrived at Queen's, part of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, as part of the Club’s Players’ Project armed with bundles of presents, and distributed them to surprised children.

During the visit, the quartet took time getting to know the patients and their families, and alongside the festive gift-giving, the players also posed for photos and selfies as well as signing shirts, player cards and various other items, spending valuable time with those on the hospital’s Bluebell and Tropical Lagoon wards who are going through a difficult time.

Kiman said: “This is my first year at West Ham United, but it’s a fantastic Club and they always ensure they look after the community and local hospitals at this time of year. You can see how much it means to the kids, and they all were very happy to see us. I hope those memories go some way towards creating a special Christmas for them and their families, and it was great to see some West Ham fans too.”

Click HERE for more.

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Head Coach Julen Lopetegui is hoping to bounce back from a tough period away from the pitch by helping his West Ham United side sign off for Christmas with three points at home to Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

In the wake of a difficult couple of weeks within the Hammers’ ranks, with forward Michail Antonio being involved in a serious car accident before young Academy of Football goalkeeper Oscar Fairs tragically passed away, Lopetegui spent part of this week back in his native Spain following the death of his father, José.

Having now returned to the English capital, the Irons boss is focusing his attention on backing up encouraging results in their last two outings, which yielded a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 1-1 draw away at high-flying AFC Bournemouth.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, he said: "It has been a hard week for our family, but my Dad has had a very good life and we are very proud of him. When I talk about my father, I do it with a smile on my face, because he has had a good life with lots of stories, and he has been a big character.

"I have lost my Dad, but I think we have also lost a very big person. He has been a very good character, and we are all very proud of him.

"Now, we have to change our focus because I am back, but at least I can stay close to my family. We have to think about the Brighton match, and the next match, because life continues."

For more from Lopetegui's pre-match press conference, click HERE.

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Julen Lopetegui and his West Ham United squad have arrived safely at London Stadium ahead of today's game.

The Hammers have earned ten points from their past five home league matches - can they add to that impressive tally today?

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Julen Lopetegui has made two changes to his West Ham United starting XI for Saturday’s match at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Niclas Füllkrug handed a first Premier League start for the Club.

The 31-year-old striker is in Lopetegui's top-flight team for the first time since joining the Club in August in place of the suspended Carlos Soler, who misses the clash at London Stadium after being booked for the fifth time this season in Monday’s 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth.

The other switch sees Emerson return to our defence at left-back, with Vladimír Coufal dropping to the bench and Aaron Wan-Bissaka moving to right-back. Emerson appears for the 98th time in West Ham colours.

West Ham United: Fabiański, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson, Álvarez, Souček, Kudus, Paquetá, Bowen ©, Füllkrug
Subs: Areola (GK), Scarles, Coufal, Todibo, Irving, Rodríguez, Luis Guilherme, Summerville, Ings

Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk ©, Estupiñán, Baleba, Gruda, Wieffer, Mitoma, Rutter, João Pedro
Subs: Steele (GK), Lamptey, Julio, Ayari, Minteh, O’Riley, Enciso, Adringa, Ferguson

Referee: Rob Jones

Click HERE for full team news.

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Facing Brighton in the Premier League has been a difficult task for the Hammers so far.

It was only back in August 2023, at the American Express Stadium, that West Ham picked up a first Premier League win over the Seagulls. Goals from James Ward-Prowse, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio earned the Irons a 3-1 win that temporarily put them top of the Premier League table!

Prior to that, though, the Irons were without a win in 12 matches against Brighton in the Premier League - a run consisting of six draws and six defeats.

West Ham’s last home win against Brighton was in April 2012, and it was a good one too. Three goals in the opening eleven minutes, including two from Ricardo Vaz Tê and a finish from captain Kevin Nolan, put the Irons on course for an excellent 6-0 victory, with Vaz Tê completing his hat-trick.

The last meeting between the two sides, back in January, yielded a hard-fought 0-0 draw at London Stadium.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, West Ham United Head Coach Julen Lopetegui said one unnamed player was set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of today's Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Elsewhere, defender Emerson is eligible for selection, having completed his one-match suspension, while Carlos Soler is set to serve a one-match ban for picking up his fifth booking of the season away at AFC Bournemouth last time out.

Full team news to come in just ten minutes!

West Ham United will be paying tribute to Oscar Fairs throughout today's fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, following the recent tragic passing of our Academy of Football goalkeeper.

All first-team players will wear special pre-match t-shirts dedicated to Oscar during the warm-up, while they will also wear black armbands during the match as a mark of respect.

Once the players’ handshake has taken place, shortly before kick-off, players from both teams will line up around the centre circle ahead of a one-minute period of applause in memory of Oscar.

Good afternoon and welcome to London Stadium, where West Ham United will entertain Brighton & Hove Albion at 3pm in the Premier League.

The Hammers are hoping to stretch their unbeaten run in the top flight to three games, following a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 1-1 draw away at high-flying AFC Bournemouth in their last two outings, and sign off for Christmas with a positive result that could close the six-point gap between them and the top six.

With no home win over Brighton since April 2012, and only one anywhere in 14 meetings since the Seagulls’ promotion to the Premier League in 2017, the statistics stand against West Ham, but the Sussex-based outfit arrive in east London winless in four, and having fallen 3-1 to rivals Crystal Palace last weekend.

Under the Premier League's youngest-ever manager, 31-year-old Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton have trumped the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur this term, and, sitting ninth in the table, they will be desperate to get their European bid back on track.

An enticing encounter awaits, then, with so much at stake for both clubs. Stay tuned here to keep up to date as the drama unfolds...