AFC Bournemouth vs West Ham United - Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 10/03/2017

AFC Bournemouth vs West Ham United - Premier League preview and odds

March 11, 2017 15:00 pm - Vitality Stadium

Premier League

Bournemouth`s bid to get their season right back on track could be scuppered by strong travellers West Ham United.

Relegation shadow looming large on South Coast

Bournemouth grabbed a much-needed point on the road at Old Trafford last weekend to retain a five-point cushion over the Premier League drop zone. They rode their luck somewhat in that game having been reduced to 10, surviving a 72nd-minute penalty from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

While that result ended a four-game losing streak, it remains to be seen if it will herald the start of a late-season revival for the South Coast side. Another couple of defeats could see them slip further towards trouble and pile more pressure on the shoulders of Coach Eddie Howe.

The Cherries have yet to win a league game on home soil in 2017 and lost their last two (against Crystal Palace and Manchester City) in row without scoring a goal.

Meanwhile, West Ham United arrive at the Vitality Stadium with a place in the Premier League`s top 10 within their grasp. The Hammers are winless in three and were narrowly beaten (1-2) by Chelsea last time out. However, they have lost just one of their last seven away from home and have won three of their last five including an impressive 3-1 triumph at Southmapton.

Salven Bilic`s men have conceded at least one goal in all but one of their away games and have only failed to score twice. Against teams in the bottom half of the table this season, the Irons have claimed victory in seven of the nine games they have played.

Team news

The home side will have to make do without the suspended duo of Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings, while Adam Federici (knee) and Callum Wilson (ACL) are both still out injured. Eddie Howe`s problems could be further compounded by the absence of Junior Stanislas (minor groin strain) and Simon Francis (hamstring strain) who are both doubtful.

Meanwhile, the visitors will have to operate without Angelo Ogbonna (knee surgery), Alvaro Arbeloa (calf), Diafra Sakho (hamstring strain) and Gokhan Tore (quadriceps strain), while Winston Reid (cramp)is the only other doubt.

Recent form (League)

AFC Bournemouth: DLLLL

West Ham United: LDDWL

Betting odds and tips

A depleted Bournemouth could find themselves struggling against a West Ham side that is rising steadily back towards the top 10. The Londoners have been strong on the road in recent weeks and have a great record against the lower-ranked teams.

Back West Ham United to win at 9/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 10/03/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (10/03/2017 11:16:33) but are subject to change.