Bournemouth vs West Ham Prediction: Graham Potter and the James Ward-Prowse goal

Bournemouth wrap up their Premier League Summer Series campaign on Saturday (19:00) with a Stateside showdown against West Ham United. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia, the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, will host the match. 

The game serves as the first half of a double-header with Manchester United taking on Everton afterwards. Both games will air on Sky Sports Premier League.

Here are my Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions as these clubs continue their preparations for the new season.

Team News

Bournemouth have been without striker Enes Unal since he suffered a ligament tear in training back in January. Lewis Cook injured his medial cruciate ligament in the Cherries’ pre-season friendly against Bristol City. The midfielder has had two lots of cruciate ligament surgery in the past, but thankfully his current ailment is only expected to keep him out for a month.

Ryan Christie is out after surgery earlier this year for a recurring groin problem. Justin Kluivert and Eli Kroupi are doubts.

Football Odds

West Ham have almost a clean bill of health. Crysencio Summerville suffered a hamstring injury in Janaury and the club are preaching caution with his return. Given the £55m departure of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur, Summerville’s presence on the wing is crucial and the Hammers are taking no risks.

The goalkeeping situation remains a point of interest for the Hammers. Wes Foderingham was a surprise starter in the 2-1 win over Everton. But the ex-Rangers man did not cover himself in glory for Idrissa Gana Gueye’s opener. With questions surrounding Alphonse Areola and the summer departure of Lukasz Fabianski, many West Ham fans are hoping for a new signing to don the gloves. 

Bournemouth vs West Ham Odds

The Cherries are on top in the betting, with a 5/4 price for a victory. West Ham are available at 9/5, which won't make you a living but might offer some value if you agree with me that the Hammers will win this game. The draw is marketed at 9/4.

James Ward-Prowse to score anytime @ 11/2

Pre-season friendlies often bring plenty of fouls, as players reacclimate to the rhythms that become second nature again a month into the season. The climb back to fitness can lead to mistakes. Mistakes often lead to fouls. Step up Mr James Ward-Prowse.

A leftfield choice for a goalscorer, perhaps. But in a game where players will perhaps be a little more ragged and careless in the tackle than they will be come autumn time, Ward-Prowse can thrive. 

The second-placed free kick taker on the all-time Premier League list, behind David Beckham of course, could well get a chance or two from his favoured range. Depending on who is on the pitch in a game likely to feature heavy rotation throughout, the 30-year-old might even find himself on penalty duty. 

Match result and both teams to score - West Ham @ 18/5

Reflecting what I said earlier about the laissez-faire nature of pre-season matches, only one game has taken place during this Summer Series where both teams did not score. I am backing another game in which both sides find the net.

But to add value I will pick a winner too. Going against Bournemouth, the perpetrators of the tournament’s only win-to-nil with their 3-0 victory of Everton, may seem risky. But I have my reasons.

West Ham won their opener 2-1 against Everton before putting in a creditable display in a defeat to Man United by the same scoreline. The Cherries also beat Everton while looking far less resolute against the Red Devils, losing 4-1.

Pre-season form is hard to judge, but only Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw were not regular starters for United last term in the team that hammered Bournemouth. The south coast club shipped four against a team that failed to score in 15 of their Premier League outings last season. 

If Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered side can find those gaps, Graham Potter’s Hammers can do the same. And while I believe Bournemouth will find the net themselves, I do believe West Ham will exploit those defensive deficiencies more frequently.

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