Prediction: Bournemouth vs West Ham

Prediction: Bournemouth win

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend with what should be another fun set of matches for us to feast our eyes upon. One such game will be Bournemouth vs West Ham United, in a fixture that always seems to guarantee one thing: goals. Both teams are known for having some classic Premier League encounters over the years, and it feels like they’re only just getting started. At this point in the season, too, we aren’t exaggerating when we say that quite literally every point counts.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have been struggling a little bit as of late, which is a shame, as they had a really positive start to the campaign just a matter of months ago. They’re still well above the drop zone and they’re still considered to be a potential top half contender, but they need to get out of this rut that they’re in. The January transfer window almost certainly isn’t helping with the many rumours surrounding the future of some top names, but at this level, you need to be able to push all of that noise to one side.

Team News

Lewis Cook, Simon Francis and Dominic Solanke are still out of action whereas Callum Wilson, who has actually been linked with a move to West Ham, is also considered to be a doubt.

West Ham

West Ham finally seem to be hitting their stride under Manuel Pellegrini, and they aren’t looking back for anyone. They started the season in a questionable manner but now, their squad is really starting to gel nicely. It does feel like one or two departures could lead to them unravelling a little bit, but we aren’t here to consider that kind of possibility. We’re here to take a look at the evidence we have in front of us, and right now, the Hammers are in a really promising position.

Team News

Marko Arnautovic is a doubt courtesy of a back problem, and with a potential move to China looming, it seems unlikely that he’ll feature here.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.
• Bournemouth have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• West Ham have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• West Ham lead the overall head to head standings 5-3 with four draws.
• Bournemouth won their last meeting 2-1 back in August.

Conclusion

All forms of logic dictate that West Ham should probably get the three points here, but logic very rarely applies in the Premier League – and we’re going to go ahead and predict that Bournemouth come away with the win. They’ve still got impact players who can pop up with an important goal or two, and a home game against a team outside of the top six is exactly the kind of encounter they need right now. Eddie Howe will get them playing like they’re in a cup final, and that always seems to be where they thrive.

Prediction: Bournemouth win

Best Odds: 29/20

Bookmaker: bet365