AFC Bournemouth vs West Ham United Predictions

• New Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was known for an attacking approach at Rayo Vallecano.
• West Ham scored in seven of their final nine away games.
• The Hammers have lost key man Declan Rice.

Hammers test for new Cherries boss

Bournemouth embark on a new era this weekend as former Rayo Vallecano boss Andoi Iraola oversees his first game in charge against West Ham.

The Hammers still have some work to do during the summer window after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal. At the time of writing, they are close to deals for Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse but it seems unlikely that either will be involved on Saturday.

Both teams to score a clear starting point

Iraola’s Vallecano side were known for their attacking approach to the game and he will look to implement that style of play at the Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries have made some eye-catching attacking signings during the summer with Justin Kluivert, Hamed Traorè and Romain Faivre joining from Roma, Sassuolo and Lyon respectively, and there are plenty of reasons for optimism for the Bournemouth fans ahead of the new season.

In contrast, the hammers are perhaps a bit behind the curve in that regard as they are still waiting to do their significant deals after a protracted exit for Rice and that may lead to a sluggish start.

The main bet here will be both teams to score as the Cherries will probably sacrifice something at the back in order to fulfil Iraola’s attacking ambitions, and West Ham scored in eight of their final 10 games away from their London Stadium home (including the Europa Conference League final).

Cherries can claim opening win

Bournemouth could well benefit from a new manager bounce as the players bid to impress their Spanish boss, and in any case they appear better equipped for the start of the new season.

While transfer uncertainty surrounds the Hammers, Bournemouth seemingly have their ducks in a row and they are coming up against a side who lost 13 of their 19 away games last term. The visitors did win at this venue in April but they were scrapping for survival at that stage and Saturday’s contest looks an ideal chance for revenge for the Cherries.

The Hammers lost their final four trips and two of those defeats came by one-goal margins, so a 2-1 win for the hosts is the correct score prediction.

Cherries midfielder David Brooks only made six league appearances last term due to injury but he has enjoyed a strong pre-season with three goals in six games. The midfielder can make up for lost time out Saturday and get off the mark with an anytime goal against the Hammers.

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