Chris Sutton singles out one West Ham player in Bournemouth score prediction
Chris Sutton expects West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen to stand out for West Ham United in a game they will ultimately lose to Bournemouth.
The Irons travel to the Vitality Stadium on Monday evening [16 December] as Julen Lopetegui prepares for the first of three make-or-break fixtures to determine his future at the London Stadium [Sky Sports].
Sutton expects the Hammers to lose on the South Coast in his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, but believes Bowen could give the visitors the killer edge.
He said: “West Ham’s win over Wolves last time was a step in the right direction under Julen Lopetegui, but he needs to maintain that improvement over a longer period otherwise he is always going to be under pressure.
“Jarrod Bowen is looking sharp for the Hammers and I think they will make a game of this, but I can only see one winner here and it is Bournemouth.
“What a team the Cherries have been this season. They always create a lot of chances and I am expecting them to make it four wins in a row. Prediction: 2-1”.
Jarrod Bowen could help Julen Lopetegui pass his latest West Ham test
The 27-year-old single-handedly saved Lopetegui with his 72nd-minute match-winning strike in the 2-1 win against Wolves last time out, and the West Ham captain will be asked to replicate his efforts again on Monday.
While he was involved in an altercation with former Wolves captain Mario Lemina after the final whistle at the London Stadium, his impact for the Hammers this year has been clear for all to see.
Furthermore, Lopetegui will have a fully-fit Niclas Fullkrug available for selection for the clash, meaning Bowen can occupy the position on his favoured right side rather than leading the line.
Bowen is more than capable of operating through the middle of the Irons attack, but still, he is far more threatening out wide, and his ability to deliver the ball into the opposition box with pinpoint accuracy with a 6ft German forward to aim for could be a recipe for success against Bournemouth.
However, Andoni Iraola has already collected the scalps of Premier League champions Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham at the Vitality this term and will certainly not make it easy for the Hammers to return to East London with three points.
But that will be the requirement for Lopetegui as he continues to work under immense pressure at the London Stadium, and while many are expecting the hosts to prevail on Monday, if anyone can turn the tide for West Ham, it is Bowen.
In other West Ham news, Newcastle are preparing sales to fund a record-breaking for a Hammers star.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.