Following a stellar performance off the bench against Manchester United, Declan Rice has regained his place in the starting lineup for West Ham United. David Moyes has opted to freshen up the team for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Rice anchoring the midfield alongside Tomas Soucek.
Rice had been dropped to the bench for the last two Premier League matches, with Moyes citing tactical reasons. However, the England international returned with a bang against United, injecting energy and intensity into the midfield. His performance earned him widespread praise, with many pundits calling for his immediate reinstatement to the starting XI.
Rice's return to the lineup is a boost for West Ham, who have struggled for consistency this season. The Hammers have won just one of their last five league matches, and Moyes will be hoping that Rice can help them rediscover their form.
In addition to Rice's return, Moyes has also made several other changes to his starting lineup. Michail Antonio has been dropped to the bench in favor of Gianluca Scamacca, while Said Benrahma has replaced Pablo Fornals.
These changes suggest that Moyes is looking to adopt a more attacking approach against Brighton. Scamacca and Benrahma are both dangerous attacking players, and their inclusion could give West Ham more potency in the final third.
West Ham will face a tough test against Brighton, who have enjoyed a resurgence under Roberto De Zerbi. The Seagulls have won four of their last five league matches, including an impressive 3-1 victory over Arsenal.
De Zerbi's side are known for their attacking style of play, and they will pose a significant threat to West Ham's defense. The Hammers will need to be at their best to secure a positive result.
Rice's reinstatement to the starting lineup is a positive sign for West Ham. The England international is a key player for the Hammers, and his return could help them rediscover their form. However, they will face a tough test against Brighton, who are in excellent form.
Moyes' decision to make several changes to his starting lineup suggests that he is looking to adopt a more attacking approach. It remains to be seen whether this will be successful against Brighton, but it is a sign that the Hammers are willing to take risks in order to improve their results.