Preview - AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth

When and where?

AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Premier League
Saturday 11 March 2017, 3pm GMT
Vitality Stadium

What’s the story?

West Ham United face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to maintain a fine run of away form which has seen them lose just once on their Premier League travels since November.

The Hammers have taken ten points from their last five away games in the league, winning at Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Southampton during that run.

League leaders Chelsea took the points at London Stadium last time out, as goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa meant Manuel Lanzini’s late strike counted for little, but the away form of Slaven Bilic’s team will mean they can head to the South Coast with confidence.

West Ham currently sit eleventh in the Premier League table, with 33 points from their 27 games to date, but could rise to ninth with victory on Saturday.

Bournemouth are six points and three places lower than the Hammers, but gained an important point in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last weekend.

The draw ended a run of four straight defeats which has them looking over their shoulders as the league table tightens up below them.

The Cherries continue to impress with their attacking outlook in their second Premier League campaign, however, and their tally of 37 goals scored is the best of anyone outside the division’s top seven.

West Ham have won two of the three league meetings between the clubs since Bournemouth’s promotion in 2015, triumphing 1-0 in the most recent clash – at London Stadium in August.

Team news

Winston Reid was forced off during the second half of Monday’s defeat to Chelsea after suffering from a leg injury, but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to the South Coast.

Andy Carroll came through 90 minutes on his return from a groin injury against the Blues and will be hoping for another start.

Michail Antonio returns after serving his one-match ban on Monday, but Diafra Sakho (back), Angelo Ogbonna and Gokhan Tore (both knee) remain sidelined.

For Bournemouth, Tyrone Mings starts a five-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct in last weekend’s draw at Manchester United.

Andrew Surman is also banned after being sent off in the same game.

Striker Callum Wilson is out with a serious knee injury, while Adam Federici and former Hammer Junior Stanislas are sidelined. 

Jack Wilshere could return to the starting XI after training all week, while Eddie Howe will make a late call on defender Simon Francis, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.

Player head-to-head

Head-to-Head

How do I get to the game?

Click here for Bournemouth’s comprehensive guide to the Vitality Stadium for away supporters.

Supporters travelling to the game by train should be aware that a replacement bus service will replace trains between Southampton Airport Parkway and Bournemouth.

Click here for up-to-the-minute news on the trains and here for the very latest on the road network.

How can I watch the game?

This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. Overseas supporters may be able to watch the match, depending on your location. Click here for global television information.

Remember, you can follow the action as it happens right here on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more.  Get involved in the conversation on social using #BOUWHU