West Ham United vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Bournemouth have conceded 39 goals across their 20 league games this season
• The Cherries have shipped 2.3 goals per away game
• Bournemouth have let in 28 goals across their nine meetings with the top seven
• West Ham have scored 1.7 goals per home game and hope to have Mohammed Kudus back in the side

Test for Cherries

Thursday’s visit to the capital is a big test for an improving Bournemouth outfit, who are heading into this clash with West Ham having lost their last two games. The Cherries put together a brilliant run to finish 2023, but they fell short at Tottenham and at home to Liverpool, shipping seven goals across those two heavy defeats.

While Andoni Iraola’s side have made their way to the last 16 of the FA Cup, it’s hard to see them pushing much higher than 12th in the Premier League table. Not only have they lost almost half of their league games so far, they also rank as one of the worst defences in the top-flight.

Defensive issues to haunt hosts

Bournemouth have conceded 39 goals across their 20 league games this season, while they’ve let in 23 goals across their 10 away trips. Even during their good run of form they had defensive issues, as they’ve conceded twice or more in their last three away trips despite winning two of them.

The Cherries have a hard time shutting down the league’s best sides, having conceded at least three times in each of their visits to the top seven so far. They’ve conceded 28 goals this term in nine meetings with the top seven, so this trip to a West Ham side who enter the week in sixth place is a concern for the visitors.

Kudus can make an instant impact

West Ham have gone off the boil of late, failing to win a game since Mohammed Kudus departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Ghana’s early exit is a boost for David Moyes, as the winger is in line for a return to the side this week. With nine days between his last AFCON game and this match, Kudus should be ready to return.

There’s little doubt that Kudus gives the Hammers an extra dimension in attack. The hosts have averaged 1.7 goals per home game at the London Stadium in the Premier League this term, but Kudus is their leading scorer at home. The winger has netted in his last four appearances at home, so he can make a big impact on his return to the side.

Bournemouth’s defensive issues should play into the hands of a patient West Ham side who are willing to wait for openings. With the visitors likely to play on the front foot, it’s easy to see this one opening up. Look to the Hammers to get a couple of goals – including one for Kudus – and a 3-2 victory for the hosts, with the Cherries also in fine scoring form on the road.