Bournemouth vs West Ham United odds and betting statistics
Bournemouth vs West Ham United recommended bets
Bournemouth vs West Ham United match preview
It’s the start of a new era for AFC Bournemouth, so will they climb into mid-table, or suffer from second-season syndrome?
Last season, initially taking over as caretaker, Gary O’Neil did remarkably well to guide the Cherries to 15th, so there was much uproar when he was sacked out of the blue in mid-June.
But, Bournemouth knew who they wanted, with Andoni Iraola the new man at the helm in Dorset, following three very successful seasons in charge of Rayo Vallecano in Spain.
The 41 year old will look to modernise and revolutionise Bournemouth’s style of play, which could pay of spectacularly, or massively back-fire, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Bournemouth’s opponents here meantime should be coming into the season full of optimism, having ended the club’s 43 year wait to win silverware.
Just 66 days ago, Jarrod Bowen’s late goal saw West Ham United beat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League Final in Prague, the Hammers’ first major honour since 1980.
This victory saw the Irons qualify for the Europa League group phase, but supporters are coming into this campaign with trepidation rather than excitement.
Captain Declan Rice has been sold to Arsenal, Lucas Paquetá is being courted by Manchester City while, to date, no new signings have been made, although deals for James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire are close.
Distracted by European commitments, West Ham finished all the way down in 14th last season, just six points clear of the relegation zone.
Now, in a higher-tier of UEFA competition and with, as it stands, a weaker squad, David Moyes’ men could be in for another long domestic campaign.
In better news, West Ham have won their last three meetings with Bournemouth, scoring ten goals and conceding none, including a 4-0 victory on the South Coast back in April.
This latest clash at Dean Court will be a fantastic litmus test as we seek to find out just where both teams are at.
Bournemouth team news
As with their manager, Bournemouth have looked to the continent for new recruits this summer.
Milos Kerkez will start at left-back, Justin Kluivert could debut on the wing while Hamed Traorè' loan deal has been made permanent.
In goal, it’ll be interesting to see if Neto remains number one, or if Ionuț Radu, who’s joined on loan from Inter, gets the nod.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Neto; Fredricks, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Rothwell, Billing; Ouattara, Kluivert, Solanke.
West Ham United team news
Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse have not joined yet, but Edson Álvarez is set to make his debut, just three days after arriving from Ajax.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Lucas Paquetá is available for selection.
Michail Antonio will get the nod up front, chosen over Danny Ings.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Fabiański; Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Emerson; Souček, Álvarez, Fornals, Bowen, Benrahma; Antonio.