Can West Ham fire past bogey team Bournemouth?

West Ham travel to Bournemouth this weekend trying to overcome a poor record against the Cherries. Can the Arnautovic-less Hammers make their point?

Adam: 3-0 to West Ham

I shot my mouth off on the podcast, so I’ve got to stick with it. Yeah it’s pretty bold, but I assumed Arnautovic wouldn’t be playing so I have no reason to believe there won’t be a big offensive explosion this week.

Bournemouth are a tricky outfit and West Ham have a history of squandering leads over them, but I think we’re going to see a galvanizing effort from the team because of the Arnautovic situation. Regardless of him and his strike, we have Rice in incredible form, Diangana on a new contract, Antonio playing some of his best football ever, Cresswell back to form and more. This isn’t a one player team and I think they’ll show that in this one.

Jeff: 2-2 Draw

It will take a professional effort from West Ham United to take all three points from Bournemouth away at Goldsands Stadium. Not only due to the swirling drama surrounding the club this week as the will he or won’t he sale of Marko Arnoutovic reached a fever pitch. But the fact is the Hammers have had a hard time dealing with Eddie Howe’s club over the past few seasons.

There are a few things working in the Irons favour: Despite their similar stats; since Christmas Bournemouth have allowed 14 goals in the last four matches and overall have allowed 10 more than WHU. Callum Wilson is expected to return from injury but the dangerous striker definitely won’t be fit for the full 90.

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Whether Arnautovic plays or not; Manuel Pellegrini will be able to select Javier Hernandez for the match day squad if so chooses. Before his recent injuries he was a regular second forward playing alongside Arnie. The Gaffer has decisions to make regarding the clubs attacking options all along the front line outside of Filipe Anderson and that is a good problem to have. The Hammers will need goals in this one to get a result. I see them netting 2; with the Cherries matching that output.

Jeremiah: 1-0 to West Ham

Earlier this season we were two different squads when we faced off on match day number 2. Eddie Howe’s club showed togetherness and the will to win. Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, did not. After taking the 1-0 lead the Hammers promptly gave up back to back goals in a horrific defensive display.

Let’s fast forward now about 21 weeks. Both clubs have been up n down but there’s no doubts in my mind West Ham have progressed more than Bournemouth. However, Bournemouth are a club that still plays well together and seems to have the Hammers number almost always. I predict a close game with someone in claret and blue putting it away late to secure the 3 points. COME ON YOU IRONS!

Scott: 2-1 to Bournemouth

Yep, that’s me. I’m the pessimistic one. I don’t see this weekend going particularly well. The Hammers are going through a bit of turmoil, which has been completely self induced by a single player. Arnie needs to go soon, and he’s shown he’s not professional. I know he wants to go, but he’s under contract so he should suck it up like the rest of the world has to.

Next. The inevitable player strike has started.... dark

Either way I’m not as confident about the side without him and I think Bournemouth always seem to have our number. They’re a good side who move the ball well and will play bright attacking football, and in turn will likely expose us. I hope I’m wrong, but I feel this will be another game that is going to get away from us.

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