West Ham United vs Portsmouth Predictions

• West Ham are amongst the Championship favorites after relegation from the Premier League
• Portsmouth have failed to win any of their five most recent pre-season friendlies
• West Ham have won four and drawn two of the last six meetings

Hammers to hit hard

West Ham were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of last season, Nuno Espirito Santo ultimately unable to steer them clear of the drop zone at Tottenham’s expense.

The Londoners have held onto stars like Jarrod Bowen and could welcome back James Ward-Prowse here too.

The Hammers are being touted for a move for Celtic’s midfield ace Arne Engels this month and it shows the intent is to ensure they don’t linger long in the second tier.

Pompey meanwhile are restricted by contrast in financial terms and unlikely to be in the promotion race.

An EFL Cup run should suit West Ham and they certainly won’t want to start the season on a losing note.

Bowen’s admirable stance can pay off

Keeping hold of England international Bowen is a massive coup for West Ham going into this season.

Their talisman has signed a reworked deal which includes a release clause for next summer, should they fail to bounce back to the top flight.

He’s hit double figures in league and cup in each of the last five seasons and can start with a bang against Pompey.