Written by billythekid
We have had our first game of the new season which was at home against Cardiff, it ended in a 2-0 win. This was the first time in an opening game in the Premier League we haven’t lost. For the next game which is our first away of the new season, the Cherries have a relative short trip up to London to play West Ham.
West Ham finished with David Moyes services at the end of last season and brought in the very experienced 64-year-old Chilean Manuel Pellegrini. He won the Premier League Title when he was the Manchester City manager. Amongst other clubs he has managed was Real Madrid.
West Ham have backed their new manager heavily in the transfer window with signings reported to be around the £100 million mark. They included club record signing the Brazilian attacking midfield player Philipe Anderson for £35 million which could rise to £42 million. Issa Diopa a centre-back for £21.9 million from Toulouse. Andriy Yarmolenko the Ukraine international from Borussia Dortmund for £17.5 million, he can play on the wing or up front. From Swansea Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for £7 million. From Arsenal striker Lucas Perez for £4 million. A player known to us as we had him on loan, Jack Wilshere on a free signing from Arsenal. Another free signing is full back Ryan Fredericks from Fulham. Other signings and all undisclosed fees are defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez from Florentina, defender Fabian Balbuena from Corinthians and forward Xande Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Watched their away game against Liverpool, Liverpool with their quick passing and pace were too much for West Ham who had a few new faces on show. Liverpool scored four goals, but it could have been more except for West Ham’s new signing in goal from Swansea Lukasz Fabianski, who made a string of good saves. We have players that could cause the Hammers problems in the pace of King, Wilson and Ryan Fraser. Expect West Ham will be a different proposition on their own ground after that defeat and what their new manager saw/learnt from it. We should be in for another good game against them, most of the encounters have been close against them since we came up into the Premier League. With a number of new faces in their side this could be a good time to visit the London Stadium.
Our games last season against West Ham at the London Stadium ended in honours even in a 1-1 draw. Ryan Fraser broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, but it was a short lived lead as substitute Hernandez who had only been on the pitch for 9 minutes, equalised for West Ham. The previous game on Boxing Day at Dean Court ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The game ended on a controversial note, Callum Wilson equalised for the Cherries in the third minute of injury time, the goal at first was given offside and according to some, a suspicion of handball, but after consulting with his linesman the referee awarded a goal.
Our league games away against West Ham, AFCB, Wins 1, D 1, L 2. In all competitions home and away, AFCB, W 2, D 4, L 5.
West Ham Team News
On the injury front, Andy Carroll with an ankle injury, Manuel Lanzini ACL knee injury, Winston Reid knee injury.
West Ham Player To Watch
Marko Arnautovic, even though it has been reported he has a knock and a slight doubt, the big Austrian striker scored a couple against us last season at Dean Court, one was a gift. He was also West Ham’s leading scorer last season. Another player to watch out for is their new Brazilian signing in midfield Philipe Anderson. Also Jack Wilshere could cause us problems if he gets into his stride.
AFCB Team News
Rico sits out his second of three games suspension. Jefferson Lerma will probably sit out this game again as he gets fully fit. On the injury front Junior Stanislas will still be missing.
AFCB Player To Watch
Think I will stick with Ryan Fraser, scored against Cardiff, created problems for Cardiff with his pace. After watching Liverpool walk through the West Ham midfield, Ryan is the player who could cause the Hammers a number of problems. He is playing with a lot of confidence as well.
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