'Hurzeler needs to come up with answers' - Stone

For the first time since his arrival at Brighton in the summer, Fabian Hurzeler is under scrutiny.

The 3-1 home defeat by rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday was a blow to Brighton's pride, but the bigger consequence is that it extended the Seagulls' run without a win to four games.

It is now two wins in nine in all competitions for Hurzeler's men. After hanging around the top four, suddenly Brighton find themselves ninth. Manchester United in 13th are only two points behind.

Brighton go to West Ham on Saturday and Hurzeler needs to come up with a few answers. His side has conceded 18 goals in nine games since their most recent clean sheet at Newcastle on 19 October. Only Brentford and West Ham of the clubs below them, outside of the bottom four, have conceded more than their 25 goals so far this season - and only two of them came in their first four games. That is not the type of record that will result in winning form.

The returns of Joel Veltman and Adam Webster from injuries would help but, as most coaches would say, it is work on the training ground that should provide the answers.

Remarkably, Brighton have never lost in seven visits to London Stadium. Their previous trips have yielded five draws and two wins. This weekend would not be a good time to surrender that record.