AFC Bournemouth will look to continue their winning momentum when they travel to London Stadium to face West Ham United on Saturday.
The Cherries are coming on the back of a morale-boosting 2:0 win over newly-promoted Cardiff City last weekend. And considering West Ham’s sloppy start under Pellegrini, Eddie Howe’s men have a decent chance of registering another win this weekend. But, the Hammers will also be keen on bouncing back to form following a disastrous 4:0 defeat to Liverpool.
Bournemouth Team news
Unlike West Ham, Bournemouth don’t have many injury issues to worry about with Junior Stanislas being the only notable absentee. The 28-year-old suffered a serious knee injury last season and is about a month away from returning to full fitness.
Record signing Jefferson Lerma is also unexpected to feature. It is believed that the Colombian international is not in contention to start while Diego Rico will miss the clash due to suspension.
Predicted Bournemouth lineup vs West Ham United
DEFENCE
Asmir Begovic will retain his place between the sticks for Bournemouth. The former Chelsea keeper had to make only one save against Cardiff but will be kept busy in this game.
Eddie Howe won’t make drastic changes to the side that won against Cardiff, meaning Steve Cook and Nathan Ake will once again be in charge of Bournemouth’s defensive backline. Cook, in particular, won as many as seven aerial duels in the last game and fans will expect a similar performance this weekend.
However, we might see a change in the right-back position with Simon Francis coming in for Adam Smith while Charlie Daniels will start on the opposite flank.
MIDFIELD
The duo of Andrew Surman and Lewis Cook will sit at the base of the midfield in Bournemouth’s 4-4-2. All eyes will be on Cook, who is expected to make his first appearance this season.
After being released of his duties in the right-back spot, Adam Smith is likely to be shifted further upfront in the right-midfield position, replacing David Brooks.
Ryan Fraser, on the other hand, will start on the opposite flank. The 24-year-old impressed against Cardiff, scoring the opener while attempting two shots. His form could become vital as the Cherries look to infiltrate the sloppy West Ham defence.
ATTACK
Finally, the Bournemouth attack will be led by the duo of Callum Wilson and Joshua King in a two-man forward line. Wilson scored one goal and provided the assist for Fraser’s opener in the last game and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate the performance against the Hammers this weekend.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored