West Ham vs Bournemouth predictions: Confident Cherries can hurt Hammers
- West Ham have failed to win their last four in all competitions
- Bournemouth have won five of their last six away games in all competitions
- Recommended bet: Bournemouth to win
West Ham have had a rare break to reflect on their busy first half of the season but their poor run of results may continue when they host in-form Bournemouth on Thursday.
The Hammers have failed to win their last four, a streak that saw them eliminated from the FA Cup and gave them last weekend off.
By contrast, the Cherries smashed Swansea 5-0 last Thursday to book their place in the fifth round, where they will face Leicester and boss Andoni Iraola has allayed early fears about his reign by transforming his side into one of the most exciting in the country.
Their ability to hit teams on the break could expose a fatigued Hammers side, who are without key players at both ends of the field.
Team news
Kalvin Phillips could make his Hammers' debut after joining on loan from Manchester City but Vladimir Coufal will miss the game after being sent off at Bramall Lane.
That could open the door for Ben Johnson to start but fellow defender Nayef Aguerd is still missing as he travels back following Morocco's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, David Moyes has confirmed that Mohammed Kudus is back in contention after Ghana were knocked out in the group stages of that tournament.
Iraola has revealed that Adam Smith will be part of the Bournemouth squad for the first time this year following a knee injury, while Philip Billing is also involved after illness.
Romain Faivre could also feature in midfield after being recalled from his loan spell at Lorient.
The stats
West Ham are unbeaten in the last five competitive meetings, winning last season's game at the London Stadium 2-0.
The Hammers have failed to win their last four games in all competitions, while the Cherries have won five of their last six away games.
Iraola's side have won four away games in the Premier League this season.
Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has scored six goals in his last six outings, taking his season's tally to 14 in all competitions.
Prediction
West Ham will have benefitted from their impromptu break but their recent form will concern Moyes.
They remain in the running for a European finish but will have been alarmed by Newcastle's win at Aston Villa on Tuesday and the pressure is on to get a result.
Bournemouth may also hold European hopes and will be buzzing with confidence ahead of their trip to the London Stadium.
Solanke's form has been particularly strong and Hammers fans will see him as the type of player their side are missing.
Rumours continue to whir around his future but it looks too late for him to move on in the current window and that could be to West Ham's detriment.
The 26-year-old could play a leading role in helping his team grab a fifth away league win of the season.
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