James Ward-Prowse predicted to ‘walk into’ West Ham United starting XI v Bournemouth
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes James Ward-Prowse will walk into the West Ham starting XI for their clash against Bournemouth, if he is registered in time.
The Southampton midfielder could make his debut in claret and blue when the club kick off their new Premier League campaign against the Cherries on Saturday (12 August).
As per Sky Sports (10 August), the England international must be registered by midday on Friday (11 August) in order to be available for the match.
Ward-Prowse has already played a match this season, playing all 90 minutes as Southampton beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in their Championship opener last Friday (4 August).
McAvennie has also mooted a start for Harry Maguire if he is signed by the Hammers, with the pundit not quite sure who manager David Moyes will start in the final third.
The East London club finished one point above Bournemouth in last season’s Premier League campaign, with the former securing 14th spot as the latter secured 15th.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I think Ward Prowse will walk straight into the starting XI. He’s had a game under his belt.
“I think Maguire would walk into the defence if he signs, I don’t see a problem with that. He was still playing well for England even with his troubles at Manchester United.
“Going forward will be interesting. They’ve only really got Antonio and Ings as the senior strikers, and Ings obviously doesn’t fit in with Moyes’s style.
“It’s a hard one, Bournemouth. We will get a better indication of where we are after the game.”
In other West Ham news, Alan Brazil has dropped a Michail Antonio transfer update live on talkSPORT.