AFC Bournemouth vs West Ham United Predictions

Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions for this Premier League contest. Bournemouth host West Ham at Vitality Stadium in Monday’s Premier League clash, aiming to compound Julen Lopetegui’s struggles amidst mounting pressure on the Irons’ manager. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips for the game.

Premier League | Dec 16, 2024 at 8pm UK at Vitality Stadium

AFC Bournemouth vs West Ham Predictions

Will Bournemouth’s Momentum Overpower West Ham’s Fight for Survival?

• Bournemouth’s Dominant xG: The Cherries have recorded over 3.0 Expected Goals in each of their last three matches, highlighting their attacking supremacy.
• West Ham’s Struggles Against Top-Half Sides: The Hammers have secured just two points from eight encounters against teams starting the gameweek in the top half of the table.
• Late Goals Galore at the Vitality: Bournemouth have scored nine goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this season, five of which came in injury time.

Our Tips

Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash at St Mary’s in what promises to be a gripping encounter between two sides desperate for diffeAs Bournemouth prepare to host West Ham United at the Vitality Stadium in a highly-anticipated Premier League clash, the stakes are high for both sides. Bournemouth, buoyed by a remarkable run of form, find themselves in uncharted territory, eyeing a spot in the top half of the table. Meanwhile, West Ham approach the game with a mix of relief and uncertainty, having recently staved off relegation fears but remaining far from secure.

The South Coast venue promises an electric atmosphere as the Cherries aim to secure their fourth consecutive league victory—a feat they’ve not achieved in years. West Ham, on the other hand, arrive with a point to prove and perhaps a manager in need of a lifeline. It’s not just a battle for points but also a litmus test of ambition and resilience for both sides.

Best Bet: Bournemouth to Win and Both Teams to Score

Backing Bournemouth to win while conceding offers the most value in this encounter, given the contrasting fortunes and styles of the two teams. The Cherries are riding a wave of attacking confidence, having netted nine goals in their last three matches. West Ham, while finding sporadic joy in front of goal, have been defensively brittle, conceding 28 times already this season.

The hosts’ home form is formidable, boasting victories against heavyweights like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham in recent outings. Bournemouth’s aggressive style, spearheaded by Dango Ouattara’s flair and Evanilson’s tenacity, has overwhelmed opponents. Ouattara’s game-changing performance against Ipswich—where he provided an assist and scored a stoppage-time winner—underlines his growing importance. With Marcus Tavernier sidelined, Ouattara is expected to step into the creative void and exploit West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities.

West Ham’s defence has been a liability, especially against top-half sides. The Hammers have managed just two points from encounters with teams in the upper half of the table. Furthermore, their Expected Goals Against (xGA) metric of 26.7 highlights persistent issues at the back, even when they manage to eke out results. Bournemouth, by contrast, have consistently exceeded their xG expectations, demonstrating both efficiency and composure in the final third.

Gram Dodd of BettingTips4You.com summarises this outlook succinctly:

“Bournemouth are firing on all cylinders at the Vitality, and while West Ham might nick a goal through Jarrod Bowen or a set piece, they’ll struggle to contain the Cherries’ relentless attack. Backing a Bournemouth win with both teams scoring is a smart move.”

Given Bournemouth’s high-energy pressing game and their knack for late drama, as seen in their injury-time heroics against Ipswich, this match is unlikely to stay quiet for long. West Ham have the firepower to respond, especially through Bowen’s creativity, but their leaky defence should prove their undoing once again.

Second Prediction: Over 9.5 Corners in the Match

A high-corner count feels inevitable given the playing styles and recent trends of both teams. Bournemouth’s attack-heavy approach results in frequent forays into the opposition box, often forcing defensive interventions that lead to corners. Similarly, West Ham, despite their struggles, remain a threat on the break and rely heavily on set pieces to generate scoring opportunities.

In their respective previous matches, both sides have consistently seen double-digit corner counts. Bournemouth’s aggressive wing play, combined with Ouattara’s pace and Kluivert’s trickery, naturally lends itself to more corners, while West Ham’s reliance on Bowen’s deliveries from wide areas ensures the trend is likely to continue.

Expect over 9.5 corners as both teams press forward, each looking to exploit their strengths in wide positions. The Hammers’ aerial prowess in particular—anchored by Tomas Soucek and Kurt Zouma—makes set pieces a key component of their strategy.

Correct Score Prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 West Ham

A 3-1 scoreline in favour of Bournemouth feels like the natural conclusion based on the current form and tactical matchup. The Cherries have shown they can dismantle even the most organised defences at home, while West Ham’s frailties away from the London Stadium are glaring.

Bournemouth’s attacking momentum should see them race ahead early, with West Ham responding but ultimately falling short. Their defensive struggles, combined with Bournemouth’s creativity and clinical finishing, suggest the hosts will find the net multiple times. West Ham, though unlikely to keep a clean sheet, should find consolation through Bowen or a set piece.

This scoreline also reflects Bournemouth’s recent trends of dominating opponents yet occasionally conceding due to their adventurous style. Their ability to consistently generate over 3.0 xG per game at home further supports the prediction, while West Ham’s away record provides little confidence in their ability to stifle Iraola’s free-flowing side.

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