Bidding to end a four-game winless streak in all competitions, West Ham United will host Bournemouth at the London Stadium for a Premier League clash on Thursday.
The Hammers were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United in their last match, while Bournemouth cruised to a 5-0 victory over Swansea City in the FA Cup.
Match Preview
West Ham are still searching for their first win of 2024, and they will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing FA Cup exit against Bristol City.
Despite taking the lead through Maxwel Cornet and Ben Brereton Diaz, James Ward-Prowse’s penalty was canceled out by Oli McBurnie in stoppage time.
Both teams had a player sent off in a heated battle at Bramall Lane, but West Ham managed to maintain their sixth position in the Premier League table with the draw, three points ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Although they have not won a game since their defensive masterclass against Arsenal on December 28, West Ham have an impressive home record to defend.
They are unbeaten in their last nine games at the London Stadium and have kept clean sheets in their last three Premier League home matches.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in their last Premier League outing. The loss was their second consecutive defeat, following a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. They currently sit in 13th place in the table, level on points with Fulham.
Despite those defeats, Bournemouth can take confidence from their recent form, having won eight of their last 11 games in all competitions.
They recorded a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Swansea City in the FA Cup, inspired by goals from Lloyd Kelly, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, David Brooks, and Dominic Solanke.
However, Bournemouth have not been successful in their recent meetings with West Ham, failing to win any of their last five encounters. Their last meeting in August ended in a 1-1 draw.
Team News
West Ham will be without Vladimir Coufal due to suspension following his red card against Sheffield United. Said Benrahama is also serving a ban from the FA Cup defeat.
Kalvin Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, could make his full debut if Edson Alvarez remains doubtful with a calf injury.
Bournemouth have injury concerns in defense, with James Hill and Max Aarons ruled out. Adam Smith’s availability is uncertain due to a knock, while Ryan Fredericks is still recovering from a calf injury. Tyler Adams and Darren Randolph are also unavailable for the match.
Possible Starting Lineups
West Ham United: (4-2-3-1)
Areola;
Johnson, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson;
Phillips, Soucek;
Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Cornet;
Bowen
Bournemouth: (4-2-3-1)
Neto;
Kelly, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez;
Cook, Christie;
Tavernier, Scott, Sinisterra;
Solanke
Prediction: West Ham United 3-1 Bournemouth
West Ham’s solid defense at home will face a tough test against Bournemouth’s attacking prowess.
However, with Jarrod Bowen back in the squad and Mohammed Kudus looking to make an impact after the Africa Cup of Nations, the Hammers should be able to match Bournemouth’s firepower.