Last Monday saw Julen Lopetegui just about keep hold of his job as the manager of West Ham with a narrow 2-1 victory against Wolves but it was nowhere near a vintage performance from the Hammers, who have had a whole week to mull over it.
That extra gap may not do them enough favours, though, with a difficult trip to the Vitality Stadium up next and the points look likely to stay in Bournemouth after Monday’s Premier League clash (20:00 kick-off).
- BOURNEMOUTH TO WIN
- EVANILSON TO SCORE ANYTIME
- TOMAS SOUCEK OVER 0.5 SHOTS ON TARGET
Bet On The Premier League
Cherries Could Prove Too Strong For Weak West Ham
Bournemouth enjoyed a strong end to last season under Andoni Iraola yet, even though that was the case, nobody could have predicted the improvement they have shown this time around.
Their points tally of 24 is respectable but it is their underlying numbers which really stand out. The Cherries’ expected goals figure of 30.4 was the fourth highest of any side in Europe’s top five leagues ahead of this round of fixtures, behind only Barcelona, PSG and Chelsea.
Their clear ability to split sides open will hold them in good stead against West Ham, who, ahead of the weekend, rank in the top 10 for expected goals against in Europe with a dismal figure of 26.7.
That suggests the Hammers are in for another tough evening on Monday, something their fans are becoming far too used to.
West Ham have lost three of their last four away games and, up against a Bournemouth side who have already beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham at the Vitality this term, that familiar losing feeling looks set to arrive again, with Lopetegui’s time at the helm potentially up should that prove to be the case.
BOURNEMOUTH TO WIN
Back Bournemouth’s Brazilian To Bag
Back in August, Bournemouth’s record signing, Evanilson, made his second appearance for the club in the Cherries’ 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the League Cup.
The Brazilian looked lively throughout that clash, racing clean through shortly after being introduced at half-time and narrowly missing a one-on-one. His clever run to open up a shaky defence was promising for the Cherries and worrying for the Hammers and, fast-forwards four months, nothing has changed on either end.
West Ham are still far too easy to play through, as shown by the plethora of goals they have conceded to pacey strikers this season. Nicolas Jackson, Kai Havertz, Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy have all made the most of the Hammers’ backline in the past three months and Evanilson, now used to the English game, looks set to become the latest name on that list.
The Brazilian has four goals in his last 10 appearances and is a worthy favourite to find the net on Monday.
EVANILSON TO SCORE ANYTIME
Czech Captain Can Be Rare Bright Spot For The Visitors
West Ham are likely to be under the cosh for long periods on Monday, meaning they will need to make the most of any rare attacks and, especially, any set-pieces they earn.
Luckily for the Hammers, they have one of the biggest aerial threats in the Premier League at their disposal. Tomas Soucek has scored two goals in his last four appearances - both from corners - and West Ham’s set-piece takers will aim for him at every opportunity.
The gigantic Czechia captain has registered 12 shots across his last four appearances and is fancied to get at least one effort on target against Bournemouth, who have conceded five goals from set-pieces in the Premier League - only three teams have shipped more from such situations.
TOMAS SOUCEK OVER 0.5 SHOTS ON TARGET
