Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
By Alex Smith
The Premier League is back and West Ham have their first match of the season on the horizon.
The finale to the previous campaign was magical, as the Hammers secured their first major trophy in forty three years, clinching the UEFA Conference League in an unforgettable night in Prague.
West Ham fans have had Jarrod Bowen’s last-gasp winning strike on repeat throughout the summer- but can David Moyes’ men build on that win this coming season; or will the transfer of their star and captain Declan Rice prove to be their downfall?
West Ham’s season kicks-off with a trip down to Bournemouth. Here is our writers’ predictions.
First up to take on the Hammers are Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, who have had an interesting summer themselves.
The Cherries rather boldly let go of Gary O’Neil, who gained so many plaudits after keeping the club in the Premier League last season despite being a managerial novice, and brought in Spanish coach Andoni Iraola, having impressed previously at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
The new-look Bournemouth may prove to be a tricky opponent for the Irons, as they will be eager to play a more aesthetically-pleasing brand of football under their new manager in front of their home fans.
It is fair to say that the West Ham faithful have had a mixed bag of emotions over the last couple of months, but how do the Green Street Hammers predict the Irons will fare in their opening day clash against Bournemouth?
Jack – Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham
So we’re back again, but I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.
I am boosted by the news that Edson Alvarez has finally came through the doors, with Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse seemingly likely to follow, but Man City’s interest in Lucas Paqueta has quickly restored my feeling that we’re in for a long season.
I don’t understand why we have waiting until three days before our opening fixture to bring in new players because they obviously won’t be ready to jump straight in.
Bournemouth have spent incredibly well in my opinion and they’ve managed to capture some class players like Justin Kluivert for a very good price.
The Cherries will also have something of a new manager bounce as it’s Iraola’s first Premier Legaue game.
I think we could have enough to get something at a ground where we have historically struggled at but I wouldn’t be surprised if we lost to be honest.
Alex – Bournemouth 2-1 West Ham
Who would’ve thought that the feeling around the club would be so negative after not kicking a ball since the highs of the Conference League final? The transfer window has been a mess and it’s vital we get a win and solid performance under our belts to lift the mood.
Bournemouth have built an exciting young team and now have an upcoming manager in Iraola. I fear they’re being written off by many and certainly being underestimated. I expect them to press high and attack. And while this could play into our counter-attacking hands I believe with somewhat of a ‘new manager bounce’, players with points to prove and the home fans buzzing to have football back they may edge West Ham on Saturday.
It will be a tight game, the midfield battle will be key, and the Hammers midfield is uncertain right now, despite Alvarez’s arrival with him unlikely to be fit to play.