Bournemouth vs West Ham United
This is fifth versus sixth so we should expect Premier League highlights on the south coast right?
Well, yes actually.
Meetings between these two have made compelling viewing in recent seasons, especially for Bournemouth fans as it’s three years since West Ham defeated them.
Now respected young manager Eddie Howe pits his wits against the wily campaigner Manuel Pellegrini in what should be another entertaining contest.
Talking Points
West Ham are fresh from a comprehensive victory over Manchester United and will know victory at the Vitality Stadium will maintain their place in the top four.
Bournemouth are only a point behind them and have only been beaten once at home so far – and that was against the champions.
It’s the start of Pellegrini’s second season in east London and its clear to see he has already brought real stability to the club with last year’s top-ten finish and his start to this campaign.
Likewise, Bournemouth are only six games into the season and previous campaigns under Howe have been characterised by both landmark victories, such as the 4-0 demolition of Chelsea last season, and unaddressed chaotic defending that saw them concede 70 goals last term – only relegated Fulham and Huddersfield Town let in more.
Yet, it’s clear to see in both camps, the managers are making their mark in a largely positive way.
While midtable may be seen as a major success story for Bournemouth, whose stadium only holds 10,000 – restricting income each home match – West Ham have the considerable backing of playing in the 2012 London Olympic Stadium and the gate receipts that generates.
There is no doubt there is a chance this season for teams outside the usual Big Six to break into European qualifying positions and they include West Ham – especially as Chelsea and Man Utd appear to be teams in transition and Arsenal remain inconsistent.
So, what should we expect this Saturday?
Well, the Cherries have been scoring goals for fun of late and Callum Wilson has made a fine start to the season.
Many eyes will be on the English frontman who has scored six goals in as many league appearances against the Hammers.
The capital club, on the other hand, are eyeing their fourth consecutive clean sheet in the top flight so this could really be a battle and a half and an end-to-end affair.
Both teams were in action in the League Cup in midweek, Bournemouth at Burton Albion and West Ham at Oxford.
Both suffered slightly embarrassing defeats as the Cherries went down 2-0 in a limp, ineffectual display for which Howe made 10 changes. West Ham were thrashed 4-0 at Oxford and, again, Pellegrini made eight changes.
Rest assured, key men will be back for this one.
History
It may surprise many SBOBET readers but this will only be the 14th ever meeting between these two clubs – and the first was way back in 1929 (90 years ago!) when the Cherries went under the name of Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic.
Indeed, eight of their 13 clashes have been in the last four years since the south coast club was promoted to the Premier League.
There’s been no shortage of action either.
Last season, Bournemouth enjoyed their first-ever league double over their illustrious opponents.
They won 2-1 in London last August in the second game of the season, overturning Mark Arnautovic’s opener to win through Wilson and Steve Cook goals.
In the return match in January, Wilson was on target again, as was Josh King, in a 2-0 success.
It was also the first time that West Ham had ever failed to score in a game against AFC Bournemouth.
One of their most memorable games was a Boxing Day thriller in 2017 when Wilson – who else – netted a last-minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw after Arnautovic looked to have won it for the Hammers.
Betting Tip
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Bournemouth vs West Ham United | Total goal 4-6 @ 2.68 |
| September 28, 22:00 (GMT+8) |
The Premier League betting odds edge towards Bournemouth, which surprised me, but it’s mighty close.
You can get odds on the hosts 1X2 @ 2.60 with West Ham @ 2.74 and the draw – a result favoured by many – @ 3.15.
With Asian Handicap odds, Bournemouth are an attractive -0.25 @ 2.21 and West Ham -0.25 @ 2.36 so the odds are tantalising.
Or do you fancy a repeat of the corresponding fixture last season – correct score 2-0 which is available @ 16.00.
I am certainly expecting goals aplenty. Over 3.25 goals @ 2.21 suggest the ‘experts’ are too with total goal 0-1 @ 4.90 indicating this will not be a low scoring contest.
So, where do I edge my prediction?
It’s a close-run thing with total goal 2-3 @ 2.07 but I am going to be slightly bolder.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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