Bournemouth and West Ham United face off at the Olympic Stadium as both the teams strive to put their opening game disappointment behind them. The Hammers will be desperate to start off their League campaign on a winning note after shifting to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Arena. Both the teams are coming off difficult games and disappointing losses. Especially West Ham who until the 89th minute believed they were going back with a point from the Stamford Bridge. But Diego Costa had other ideas as he grasped a late winner to send Antonio Conte into frenzied celebration. Meanwhile Bournemouth were up against the mighty Manchester United and were comfortably outclassed over the 90 minutes as Jose’s men cantered to a 3-1 victory.
Bournemouth’s 4-3 away win at the Hammers last season was their first ever win in English football’s top-flight and they would like a win today to make it their first win this season. But they are in dire form having gathered a solitary point from their last six Premier League games.
TEAM NEWS
WEST HAM UNITED
West Ham have been hit with the news of Andre Ayew’s injury ruling out the new signing for around 4 months. But Dmitri Payet is set for a start after coming off the bench in the last match. Sofiane Feghouli (hamstring) looks set to miss out once again, while Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho remain sidelined.
BOURNEMOUTH
Eddie Howe hasn’t been handed any fresh injury concerns but he might tweak his attacking personnel from the last match. Junior Stanislas (hernia) remains a major doubt, while Tyrone Mings is still out.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
WEST HAM UNITED (4-1-4-1)
Adrian- Byram, Collins, Reid, Masuaku- Nordtveit- Antonio, Noble, Kouyate, Payet- Carroll
BOURNEMOUTH (4-3-3)
Boruc- Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels- Cook, Surman, Artur- Ibe, Wilson, King
KEY MEN
WEST HAM UNITED
DMITRI PAYET- The Euro star was given extra time off and has come back refreshed. He will be looking to put his Euro final disappointment behind and carry on his sparkling form. Inarguably their most valuable asset, Slaven Bilic will look towards the Frenchman to better West Ham’s position from last year’s campaign.
BOURNEMOUTH
CALLUM WILSON- The Striker would have been glad to get back on the field after an unfortunate last season. Granted, he will need time to get back to his best but his hat-trick won the Cherries this corresponding fixture last year. Bournemouth will be eager to have their main man up front firing again and look to form a potent partnership with record signing Jordan Ibe.
LIKELY OUTCOME
Last year’s meetings between the two teams saw 11 goals scored and the managers will look to tighten up this time around. For both the teams to achieve their respective goals this season, they need to concede fewer goals. West Ham will be favourites to win but Bournemouth will be hoping to spring a surprise or two today.
