West Ham United: Pundit predicts result of Premier League clash v Bournemouth, drops London Stadium verdict – ‘Fear factor has gone’
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 West Ham should have enough about them to topple Bournemouth in their Premier League clash but “nobody is scared” of playing at London Stadium anymore.
The Hammers host the Cherries at the London Stadium on Thursday (1 February) looking to record their first league win in three games and strengthen their position in the European places in the table, but need to correct their stuttering home form with just one win in their last four in all competitions.
However, David Moyes and his team meet up against a resurgent Bournemouth side who have only suffered two Premier League defeats in their last nine games, picking up 19 points in the process.
New January signing Kalvin Phillips could be gearing up for his debut at the London Stadium following his loan move from Manchester City on Friday (26 January).
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Phwoarr! Bournemouth have been playing very well, aren’t they?
“I know they lost to Liverpool 4-0 last time out but they certainly gave them a good game, so I’m expecting a very tough one.
“But we’re at home so we really shouldn’t have any excuses, I would always back us.
“My worry is the fear factor at the London Stadium has gone these days, completely, nobody is scared to come to the stadium anymore.
“Teams actually like to go and play there and I’m thinking ‘What?’ That shouldn’t be the case.
“It’s supposed to be a fortress but right now, it’s not but I think we’ve got better players than Bournemouth so we should win that really.
“I would be mightily disappointed if we don’t. We’re in a very promising position in the table and we need to take advantage of that.”
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has provided an important FFP update.
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