Avoiding relegation will be the key issue on the agenda at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day as in-form West Ham travel to Bournemouth fighting for their lives. David Moyes has inspired the Hammers in recent weeks and he and his charges will be keen to increase the pressure on Eddie Howe’s side who have slipped into the relegation picture in recent weeks.
English Premier League – Bournemouth v West Ham United – Vitality Stadium – Tuesday 26th December 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 23/10 at Skybet |
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Bournemouth
West Ham UnitedBournemouth
The Cherries are enduring a difficult period and now sit 16th – one point outside of the bottom 3 following a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Liverpool and have a horrible looking trip to Manchester City before this game. Their minimal goal threat (only 15 goals scored in 18 games) is the fundamental issue for Eddie Howe’s men at present. Jermain Defoe has only notched 3 goals for Bournemouth in the Premier League since his summer move but is always a threat in forward areas.
West Ham United
David Moyes has surprised many by galvanising the West Ham side – who are in the midst of a 3 match unbeaten run in the Premier League – although they lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Wins over Chelsea and Stoke were punctuated by a 0-0 draw with Arsenal – performances in which West Ham impressed and now sit 15th in the table. Marco Arnautovic has scored 2 goals in his last 3 starts and looks to be relishing the freedom he has been given by David Moyes.
Head to Head
These two teams have only met on 9 previous occasions with West Ham winning the head to head record with 5 wins to Bournemouth’s 2 with another 2 games ending as draws. West Ham pinched the spoils at the London Olympic Stadium last season with a 1-0 win whilst the Cherries got their revenge in March 2017 with an entertaining 3-2 win in the equivalent fixture.
Bournemouth v West Ham United – Odds and Predictions
Although both teams have struggled for goals this term, this could be an open game.
Both teams to score – YES – looks a valuable punt at 10/11 with Ladbrokes.
Jermain Defoe could come back into the side and will relish the chance to score against his former club.
Jermain Defoe to score anytime looks unbelievable value at 15/8 with Paddy Power.
This could be a fiery encounter between two physical sides, with Premier League safety to fight for.
A red card to be shown in the match is a distinct possibility at 3/1 with Coral.
West Ham are in good nick and will fancy their chances of getting something at the Vitality.
Backing West Ham/Draw on the double chance is a solid bet at 8/13 with Ladbrokes
Score Prediction
Bournemouth 1 – 1 West Ham United – 6/1 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip Bournemouth v West Ham United
Both sides need a win but the occasion could hamper the game as a spectacle, which could be a very tight one between two well-matched sides. The match to finish as a draw and both teams to score is a great bet at 23/10 with Ladbrokes.