This is a big game for West Ham United on Saturday 20th January against Bournemouth. The last two games involved a large amount of goals being scored. We cannot afford to be sloppy because Bournemouth are a strong side that we cannot under estimate. AFC Bournemouth have not won an away game since October against Newcastle, we haven’t got the best home record, but the manager must get the players giving 100% and we must avoid sloppy mistakes. Both teams are sat at the bottom half of the table and a win can make a big difference despite their poor starts to the season.
Last time out-
Last time we played Bournemouth the stats were in their favour considering they played better than us. However, Bournemouth are known for covering most distance on the pitch, so we must not be outplayed in midfield. Unfortunately, the last time we played Bournemouth it ended in controversy and unfortunately the referee ruled in Bournemouth’s favour as Callum Wilson was offside and used his hand to score a goal in the last minute of the game. The linesman’s decision put his flag up and the referee change the decision and gave the goal. It was a massive 2 points dropped but west ham will be looking for revenge following the incident. Also, 2 Bournemouth players had avoided a possible red card with captain Simon Francis kicking Kouyates face and josh king elbowing Obiang in the face.
Danger men-
Bournemouth have a few dangerous players to watch out for especially because they rested many players during their fa cup defeat against Wigan on Wednesday. Other than last weeks game against arsenal, Bournemouth usually play with 4 at the back formation and play Callum Wilson as a lone striker. Last week in their victory against they played a 3-4-3 formation and they won. They could adapt a similar formation in tomorrows big game.
Callum Wilson-
Bournemouth forward Callum Wilson has scored 7 goals in all competitions for Bournemouth this season and he also scored in Bournemouth’s last away game against Brighton not so long ago. He is Bournemouth’s 1st team striker and he is good at aerial duals and scoring goals inside the box.
Charlie Daniels-
Bournemouth left back Charlie Daniels is someone not shy of coming forward with the ball and getting into dangerous positions on the pitch. He has a strong left foot and we must stop him causing trouble down the left side. He played 90 minutes in midweek against Wigan so there’s a chance fatigue will be a factor of weakness later in the game.
Ryan Fraser-
Ryan Fraser has slowly put himself in the spotlight for Bournemouth’s first team this season and towards the end of last season. This season he has been a threat going forward and can also put dangerous balls into the box for Callum Wilson as proven in the 2-1 victory against arsenal last week.
Josh King-
Josh King is a player West Ham must keep an eye on as he has proved he can score goals at any time of the game. Last season I believe he got a hattrick against us and he also showed a good amount of form towards the end of the season.
He has been injured recently however manager Eddie Howe said he could play tomorrow. He scored 16 goals last seasons however this season he has struggled for form but as proven last season he must not be underestimated during this stage of the season.
Written by Abu-bakr Sheth (Abu)
@Asheth16