Albion’s players, fans and others can show their quality and make amends for a poor Wednesday – after a super Saturday in the Premier League.
There was plenty of drama yesterday, mainly in the early and late games, to set things up nicely.
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The Seagulls can realistically soar as high as fifth place if they beat West Ham.
Three points would certainly take them past Spurs, Liverpool (who they play next), Sunderland and Everton, for all that positions really mean in this super-congested table.
A draw would also see them past all those teams except Everton but would leave them vulnerable to a win by Manchester United at Wolves on Monday.
A win over West Ham would take them level on points with “title contenders” Chelsea, who drew 0-0 at Bournemouth, and might nudge them back in front of Crystal Palace, who go to Fulham.
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It would also take them five points clear of Bournemouth. Hold on, aren’t they the South Coast success story so far this season?
All of which is achievable but not easily so against a Hammers side coached by Nuno Espirito Santo, who has been a tough adversary in the recent past.
Fabian Hurzeler was asked if this game would be about revenge.
That was in reference to the 7-0 defeat by Nuno’s Nottingham Forest last season but the two home fixtures, in league and FA Cup, also left a bitter taste.
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No, it is not about revenge. But there might just be a similar type of spice added by having a poor night to make up for..
How poor is open to debate.
Maybe the first game of Saturday, as Aston Villa beat leaders Arsenal, put Albion’s result last Wednesday into more perspective.
Were we – including myself writing the report for the media outlet most people think of when they think of Albion – too critical?
Possibly. Although I would stand by suggestions of defensive horrors on the four goals conceded, the chance which Ollie Watkins scuffed at 1-0, the ball against the post at 2-1 and the incident in which Lewis Dunk almost scored an own goal in trying to cover for others.
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And I also know that standards and hopes are really high for Albion themselves and those who follow them.
But maybe Villa’s win over Arsenal suggested that criticism of Albion’s midweek result and performance, including on this website, was a bit excessive.
And it was a poor night for the home support, too.
Without wanting to get into a now 14-year-old debate about fans leaving the Amex before the end, the spectacle of those final stages was awful to the point of embarrassing.
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Rapidly emptying stands gave an ugly backdrop as Albion came from 4-2 down to set up a dramatic finish which was one fine save from securing a 4-4 draw.
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And such scenarios will look even worse on TV in a couple of years’ time when the away section is not in shot.
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Such is football, and such is the challenge set by Nuno’s sides, there can be no guarantee things will get better against West Ham. But there is every chance.
Other than on penalties, the Portuguese coach has never had a win in six trips to the Amex – although he has only lost twice.
For Albion, there is reason to think Sunday will be an improvement on Wednesday.
The rewards will be there to enjoy if it happens.
On the league table, of course, with a top-six placing.
But, more importantly, in the emotions and satisfaction of bouncing back from a bad night all round.
