Mark Lawrenson is backing Bournemouth to beat West Ham United today.
General view outside the Vitality Stadium
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Bournemouth will beat West Ham United 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium this afternoon.
The Cherries head into the game having picked up a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last weekend, in what was a valiant defensive display from Eddie Howe’s men – but it’s still no league wins in 2017 for Bournemouth.
Whilst the point at Old Trafford was a great result for Bournemouth, the aftermath has seen defender Tyrone Mings slapped with a five-game ban for an altercation with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Mings serves the first game of that ban this afternoon, meaning Bournemouth’s fragile defence has been handed another blow as they prepare to take on West Ham United.
The Hammers were beaten 2-1 at the London Stadium by city rivals Chelsea on Monday evening, meaning it’s no win in the last three games for Slaven Bilic’s side.
Andy Carroll’s return to fitness is a boost, whilst Bilic can also welcome Michail Antonio back into his side after the winger missed out against Chelsea through suspension.
Having comfortably avoided relegation after a tough start to the season, West Ham won’t want their season to peter out as they chase a top half finish, and pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that finishing in the top ten would be a success for the Hammers.
Mark Lawrenson
However, Lawrenson is backing Bournemouth to claim all three points today, believing that last weekend’s draw against Manchester United will give the Cherries the confidence to finally win again.
“In many ways the incidents involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Tyrone Mings and Andrew Surman at Old Trafford last weekend helped Bournemouth because Manchester United took their eye off the ball a little bit. Even so, well done to the Cherries for going there and getting a point with 10 men.”
“Now Eddie Howe’s side need a win – they have not had one in their past eight league matches – and I think they might do it on Saturday. I don’t see West Ham’s season just petering out, because they are chasing a top-half finish that would be a success for them, but I am backing Bournemouth to edge this one,” he added.
What is your prediction for Bournemouth v West Ham?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
