Bournemouth host West Ham on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season with both teams looking to avoid last season’s problems. It may be early days in the season but neither side appears particularly convincing at the back, which means goals can be expected here.
After enduring a turbulent season that saw weird managerial changes and a relegation scrap, Bournemouth will be targeting a smoother campaign this time around. Manager Andoni Iraola is the man tasked with leading the team and will be keen to replicate some of his success at Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.
Bournemouth have not been particularly busy in the transfer market but they have acquired Justin Kluivert to bolster the attack while also retaining their key players. Preseason was a bit erratic for the Cherries, who claimed two wins and suffered two defeats from four matches.
One thing Bournemouth will be keen to avoid this term is a repeat of last season’s struggles at the Vitality Stadium. They ended the campaign with four defeats in five home matches, conceding 11 goals in that run.
West Ham are also looking for a positive start after an unexpected relegation scrap last season. There was some glory at the end as they emerged Europa Conference League champions which can serve as a springboard for some domestic success this season.
The Hammers squad were always considered too strong for a relegation scrap and despite losing captain Declan Rice this summer, they retained much of their key players from last season. Manager David Moyes has reinforced the squad with the acquisition of midfielder Edson Alvarez while there are talks with Manchester United duo of Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire.
Preseason was also erratic for West Ham as they began with two straight wins but ended with heavy defeats to Rennes and Bayer Leverkusen. One thing that needs to be worked on is their poor record on the road as they lost their final four away matches last season, conceding 11 goals in that run.
How the bookies view it
There is little to separate both teams among the bookies with a win for Bournemouth priced at 7/4 by Betfred while Unibet is offering 33/20 for a West Ham win. A draw is set at odds of 12/5 by Paddy Power.
Recent head to head
West Ham have the upper hand in recent meetings with Bournemouth, claiming three wins in the last four matches. The Hammers did the double over their rivals last season, picking up a 4-0 victory in the clash at the Vitality Stadium.
Players to watch
Much will be dependent on Dominic Solanke this season after only showing flashes of his ability last term. The striker will be looking to hit the ground running on Saturday and is priced at 29/10 by William Hill to get on the score sheet.
Jarrod Bowen scored some vital goals for West Ham last season, including the winner in the Conference League final. The forward will be pivotal to the Hammers’ attacking play this season and could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 17/4 with Unibet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Four of the last five meetings between Bournemouth and West Ham have produced over 3.5 goals and a repeat could be on the cards at 23/10 with Paddy Power. Over 2.5 goals can also be considered at 10/11 with bet365 while William Hill is offering odds of 8/11 on both teams to score.
With a closely fought opening expected at the Vitality Stadium, a halftime draw can be tipped at 6/5 with bet365. Things are likely to open up after the break, which means both teams could be backed to score in the second half at 9/4 with bet365.
This English Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United will be played on Aug 12, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best AFC Bournemouth vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
