WEST HAM UNITED have entered something of a sticky patch and will be desperate to keep up their European charge with a first win in five games when they entertain Bournemouth on Thursday.
The Hammers were bundled out of the FA Cup meekly by Championship side Bristol City despite having two bites at the cherry to beat them and they have also drawn with Brighton and Sheffield United – the latter being a painful setback because they were twice ahead and also conceded an injury time penalty leveller.
David Moyes' side are depleted right now to be fair though with injuries, suspensions and international duties all mounting up and they were down to the bare bones in that Cup defeat.
They were frantically trying to add extra bodies before the transfer deadline, so that could make it tricky from a punting perspective.
Bournemouth always seem to be easy on the eye and goals flood in at both ends. They went from being trashed, perhaps unluckily, by Liverpool at home to wiping the floor with Swansea City in the FA Cup.
They always have a go and will certainly fancy their chances in the capital.
How the bookies view it
West Ham are favourites here but not by much at 29/20 with Coral, while Bournemouth can be backed at 37/20 with UniBet.
The draw is 11/4 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The teams battled out a 1-1 draw at the Vitality at the start of the season in August.
Last season, the Hammers won both games 4-0 and 2-0 and are unbeaten in five in this fixture.
Players to watch
James Ward-Prowse scored in West Ham's last game at Sheffield United and takes the penalties. He is 4/1 to score anytime with Ladbrokes.
Bournemouth were five goals up at the break against Swansea and had the luxury of replacing top scorer Dominic Solanke at half time just after he scored again. He is 7/4 with Boylesports.
Anything else catch the eye?
Preference here is with Bournemouth owing to their attacking ways and personnel problems for the hosts.
West Ham could yet bring in new players, but that's unlikely to faze a Cherries side who are nearly always involved in entertaining games.
All four of Bournemouth's last four games have gone over 3.5 goals so try it again with UniBet at 33/20.
Finally, we've had a bit of joy with corners involving Bournemouth. They managed to win 13 at Spurs, eight against Liverpool even though they were thrashed and 12 against Swansea.
Over six is 15/8 with William Hills and that looks an excellent price.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Bournemouth will be played on Feb 1, 2024 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Bournemouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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