Since Slaven Bilic took charge in 2015, West Ham have been shown 12 red cards in the Premier League - three more than any other side in this period
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is hoping his side can earn him some respite from speculation over his future by beating Brighton on Friday.
The pressure has eased on the Hammers boss in recent weeks after they ended a run of three straight league defeats with eight points from five matches.
But Bilic knows the speculation on his future will begin again should they lose to Albion, also on eight points.
"It's calm at the moment but it can change tonight," he said.
"Whoever gets three points tonight, or after the weekend, is going have a calm week. But then you have those hurricanes, there's no point trying to think about that."
United will be without Andy Carroll, who serves a one-game ban following his red card at Burnley last Saturday.
Fellow striker Diafra Sakho is out with a back problem but Javier Hernandez should be available despite a tight hamstring.
Brighton are hopeful Shane Duffy will be fit to play despite being forced off against Everton with a groin problem.
Tomer Hemed completes a three-game ban, while long-term absentees Sam Baldock and Beram Kayal will build fitness by playing for the under-23s on Friday.
Chris Hughton, who led Brighton to promotion from the Championship last season, admits that pressure on managers is a reality of football, especially in the Premier League, but feels Bilic deserves more time at the London Stadium.
"Personally, I think it is too soon," he said. "But it's something that we have very much gotten used to.
"Certainly when there has been investment in clubs and, of course the foreign owners that we have now, people want results instantly and it's something that we've gotten used to. I don't see it changing."
'A lack of discipline? I don't think so' Andy Carroll was sent off midway through the first half at Turf Moor last weekend
Carroll is the 12th player to be shown a red card since Bilic took over in 2015 but the Croatian denies that his side have a discipline problem.
"Is there a lack of discipline? I don't think so," added Bilic.
"None of these red cards [in the last three years] were from a typical lack of discipline. Nobody headbutted anyone.
"Andy's [dismissal at Burnley] was basically stupid. But many of the red cards we appealed and they were ruled out - three or four, or even five, were completely big mistakes from the referees.
"I don't remember one that I would connect with lack of discipline and letting the team down."
Brighton have picked up just one point from four away games in the league this season, compared to seven from four at the Amex Stadium.
"At home, I think we have acquitted ourselves well; we've won two games, drawn one and put on a very good show against Manchester City [a 2-0 defeat]," added Hughton.
"It's going to be our away form that's going to be the most challenging.
"It's a game away from home, a big stadium, against a very talented team and seeing a way for us getting points away from home."
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S COPY
Mark Scott: "They may have almost identical records this season, but there are contrasting moods around these two clubs.
"Brighton will be pretty happy with their return so far, but Slaven Bilic still looks like a man under pressure going into a match West Ham defender Winston Reid describes as "must win".
"Chris Hughton says improving Brighton's away form will be his toughest task, with Albion looking fairly toothless on the road so far this season.
"They've managed just one goal in four away games and picked up their only point when playing against 10 men for over an hour."
Twitter: @Mark_Scott_
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Brighton have only won one of their seven league visits to West Ham (D2, L4).That victory came in the Championship in November 2004, when Guy Butters headed the only goal.These sides last met in the league in the 2011-12 Championship season, when the Hammers won both encounters - including 6-0 at home.
West Ham United
West Ham have won both of their previous home Premier League games on a Friday by a 1-0 scoreline - beating Coventry in December 1997 and Tottenham in May this year.The Hammers have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven top-flight home matches.Seven of their nine league wins at the London Stadium have been by 1-0 scorelines.They have received 12 Premier League red cards since Slaven Bilic's appointment in 2015 - three more than any other side in this period.The Hammers have scored 75% of their league goals this season in the second half - only Brighton (83%) have a higher figure.
Brighton and Hove Albion
The Seagulls are yet to win an away game in league or cup this season, scoring only one goal.They have won only one of their last 33 top-flight away matches, a 2-1 victory at Swansea in March 1983 (D8, L24).Pascal Gross has been directly involved in 83% of Brighton's Premier League goals this season (two goals and three assists), which is the highest percentage in the top flight.Gross has created 211 chances for team-mates in league football since August 2015 - the same number as Kevin de Bruyne. Only five players have created more opportunities in this period in the top five European leagues.Chris Hughton is winless in his last 12 Premier League away matches as a manager (D3, L9). His most recent victory on the road came with Norwich at West Brom on 7 December 2013.
Source: bbc.com