Verdict: Rayan over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their sensational European charge this weekend, Bournemouth will travel to east London on Saturday evening when they meet West Ham.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, although West Ham might open Saturday’s fixtures sat three points adrift in the relegation zone, Nuno Espirito Santo’s camp have shown some real signs of life over the past month. Despite suffering last-gasp heartbreak against Manchester United last week as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate in east London, the former Nottingham Forest boss has seen his resurgent squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Enjoying what has become by far their most fruitful spell of the 2025/26 campaign, West Ham will be desperate to find a route out of the drop zone. However, it should be noted, showing some extended defensive issues, Santo’s side have recorded just a pair of Premier League clean sheets so far this season.
West Ham Team News
Shown an FA Cup red card away at Burton last weekend, academy graduate Freddie Potts will miss out through suspension here. However, ahead of Saturday’s showdown in east London, West Ham have no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
Completing a Deadline Day loan switch from Chelsea, Axel Diasai should keep his spot at the heart of Santo’s defence here. Likewise, recently establishing himself as the Hammers’ number once choice, ex-Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen will return between the sticks.
Bournemouth
As for the visitors, while Bournemouth might have signed off 2025 in the midst of a public blip, Andoni Iraola’s side have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Last seen mounting a dramatic comeback away at Everton as they eventually left Merseyside with a 2-1 victory, the Cherries now have their sights set on mounting a late European charge. Skyrocketing their way up the Premier League standings, the former Rayo Vallecano boss should find the mood in his camp at a season-high. Along with registering 10 points from their last four top-flight battles, Bournemouth are also unbeaten in their previous six Premier League showdowns (four wins, two draws). Looking to extend on their top-six charge this weekend, it should also be noted that Iraola’s side have recorded consecutive Premier League wins away from the Vitality for the first time this season.
Bournemouth Team News
Not featuring over the past month and dealing with a recent thigh injury, Bournemouth are once again expected to be without Marcus Tavernier this weekend. Likewise, former Liverpool youngster Bradley Doak remains on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
Finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances and making an immediate impact since completing a January switch from Vasco de Gama, 19-year-old sensation Rayan will start in the final third. Enjoying what has become a breakout campaign, James Hill will start at the heart of Bournemouth’s defence.
West Ham vs Bournemouth Key Factors to Consider
- When West Ham and Bournemouth met for their reverse Premier League battle on November 22nd, Saturday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate at the Vitality.
- The Cherries are unbeaten in their previous six straight Premier League appearances (four wins, two draws).
- West Ham have suffered just a sole defeat from any of their previous seven matchups across all competitions.
- 19-year-old sensation Rayan has registered three direct goal contributions in as many Premier League appearances (two goals, one assist).
- Saturday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of Premier League clean sheets so far this season.
Conclusion
Watching Saturday’s opponents play out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate when they met at the Vitality for their reverse Premier League battle on November 22nd, neutrals will be hoping for another top-flight thriller on Saturday evening. With West Ham registering just a pair of clean sheets so far this season, don’t be surprised to see chances come thick and fast from east London. It should also be highlighted, with each of their previous three Premier League meetings finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Rayan over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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