OPINION
West Ham have been handed a boost as Brighton are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Dale Stephens ahead of the two clubs clashing on Friday.
The Hammers are set travel to face The Seagulls as they aim to make it four positive league results in a row and they’ve been handed a boost in their quest.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton confirmed in his press conference ahead of his side’s match with the Hammers that they still weren’t sure whether Stephens would be fit enough to play.
“Pascal is still out. Dale is close, very close and we will make a decision,” stated the 59-year-old, as quoted by the Brighton Hove and Independent.
“Apart from those two, everybody is fit and available.”
Hughton’s update on the 28-year-old , who currently earns £30,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), shows that the Seagulls are sweating over the fitness of their midfielder, which will disrupt their plans for Friday’s showdown.
Aside from simply leaving the Seagulls boss unable to be 100% sure of his starting line-up if the Hammers’ opponent decide not take a risk on Stephens it will aid their bid to win the match.
Stephens normally runs the midfield for his side as he is a neat passer of the ball and his defensive ability’s helps him win the battle in the middle of the pitch for his side.
The 28-year-old played every single minute of The Seagulls’ Premier League campaign up until sustaining an injury during the defeat to Spurs in the 21st minute.
Stephens missed the clash with Manchester City due to his injury and the Seagulls were easily bypassed in midfield without him there.
This means that if the midfielder isn’t passed as fit for Friday’s night duel with the Hammers then Manuel Pellegrini’s should have an edge in midfield.
Therefore the Hammers have been handed a boost ahead of the game with the Seagulls left sweating over whether Stephens will definitely be able to play.
