Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who will make their respective returns from November’s international break this weekend, Bournemouth will welcome West Ham to the Vitality on Saturday afternoon.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across England’s elite this calendar year, the Cherries did enter November’s international break in the midst of a downbeat rut. Last seen putting in a season-worst performance as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming away at Aston Villa, Andoni Iraola’s men are seeking a welcomed boost this weekend. However, getting November underway with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Manchester City, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous seven Premier League appearances. Despite still dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge, Bournemouth are searching for some crucial defensive steel. Along with shipping 10 goals in their previous four outings, they have also notched just a sole clean sheet since September 21st.
Bournemouth Team News
Despite lasting just 10 minutes away at Aston Villa prior to November’s international break following a horror collision with teammate Tyler Adams, Adam Smith is set to be part of Iraola’s squad here. Receiving a first senior call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this month, Alex Scott will start in the middle of the park.
Enjoying what has become a sensational run this season and already notching six goals in his first 11 Premier League appearances, attacking talisman Antoine Semenyo will lead the line. Completing a permanent switch from Chelsea over the summer, Djordje Petrovic will start between the sticks.
West Ham
As for the visitors, while West Ham might mark their return from November’s international break still sat in the relegation zone, the Hammers certainly claimed an essential boost earlier in the month. Last seen securing an action-packed 3-2 victory at home against Burnley, new boss Nuno Espírito Santo has seen his squad register consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this season. Breathing life back into their charge for top-flight safety, the former Nottingham Forest manager should also be excited by his side’s recent free-scoring performances in the final third. However, much like Saturday’s opponents, West Ham are desperate to claim some defensive steel. Along with recording just a sole Premier League clean sheet so far this season, Santo’s men have shipped 23 goals and hold the second-worst defensive tally among England’s elite.
West Ham Team News
While Greek international Konstantinos Mavropanos might have been dealing with a hamstring injury prior to November’s fortnight interval, the one-time Arsenal defender could return to Santo’s travelling squad. Expected to complete a January move away from east London, it remains to be seen if ex-Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug will travel to the Vitality.
Making an immediate impact since being handed a chance this month, academy graduate Freddie Potts will start in the middle of the park. Recording a second Premier League strike against Burnley last time out, former Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson will lead the line on Saturday afternoon.
Bournemouth vs West Ham Key Factors to Consider
- When Bournemouth and West Ham last met for a Premier League showdown back on April 5th, Saturday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate at the Vitality.
- The Cherries have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven Premier League appearances.
- West Ham have registered back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since the end of September.
- The Hammers have shipped 23 goals and hold the second-worst defensive tally among England’s elite.
- Antoine Semenyo has registered nine direct goal contributions in his first 11 Premier League appearances.
Conclusion
While West Ham might have entered November’s international break with consecutive Premier League victories, the Hammers find themselves pencilled in as a real underdog contender here. Already shipping 23 top-flight strikes and holding the second-worst defensive tally among England’s elite, Saturday’s guests will also meet a Bournemouth side who are looking to get their European charge back on track. Registering 13 points from their first five Premier League showdowns at the Vitality, we are backing a home win the weekend.
Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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