Bournemouth v West Ham Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Vitality Stadium – Premier League

Bournemouth sit just one point below their opponents as they host West Ham this Boxing Day. However, whereas the Hammers are flying up the table, the Cherries have been struggling to produce results in recent weeks.

Past Meetings

There have been just two Premier League seasons that featured both Bournemouth and West Ham, with the honours split evenly. The most recent of the four matches, one of the most thrilling games of last season, ended with a 3-2 win to the Cherries, after Josh King scored his, and Norway’s, first Premier League hattrick.

Team News

Eddie Howe’s injury list will be of some concern to the manager, with joint-top scorer Jermain Defoe and midfielder Harry Arter joining other key players including Josh King, Tyrone Mings and Charlie Daniels. This leaves Callum Wilson in line for a start, as well as Lewis Cook.

David Moyes doesn’t have the same number of injuries to deal with, and Sam Byram may well be back in the squad. However, Jose Fonte is still a long term absentee, whilst Mark Noble faces a late fitness test.

Bournemouth v West Ham Preview and Predictions

Having impressed last season with a 9th place finish, Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side has been in terrible form as of late. With no wins in six matches, the Cherries sit just one point above the relegation zone, and yet could leap to safety with a win over West Ham.

After poaching Defoe from a relegated Sunderland over the summer, it was hoped that the former England international would help fire Bournemouth to a new level. Unfortunately for the south coast side, Defoe has managed just three goals so far this season, over 15 appearances, level with Callum Wilson who achieved it in half as many games. Although Howe’s defense has performed well, a side that is averaging less than one goal per game will always struggle.

Since hiring David Moyes, West Ham have shot above Bournemouth in the table, earning seven points in the manager’s first five games. Marco Arnautovic has been revitalized under the new management, and is 9/4 to score anytime against the Cherries, whilst Javier Hernandez’s return from injury has allowed for depth up front in the place of Michail Antonio.

Moyes has also brought greater defensive stability to the Hammers who were absolutely leaking goals before his appointment. Against a Bournemouth side, West Ham are 12/5 to keep a clean sheet, and will be looking to continue their impressive form.

Recommended Bets

West Ham to win 1-0 at 17/2

The Cherries are struggling to score at the moment and West Ham will be confident.

Hernandez as first goalscorer at 12/2

Chicharito exploits unsure defenses and could do well against Bournemouth.