Mark Lawrenson predicts West Ham United vs Bournemouth result
Mark Lawrenson has backed West Ham United to grab all three points in their crucial Premier League battle with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday [23 April].
The Hammers seem to be on an upward trajectory after a disappointing domestic campaign, fighting back from two goals down to claim a crucial 2-2 draw against Arsenal [16 April] before securing their second consecutive European semi-final after a 4-1 UEFA Europa Conference League trouncing of Gent on Thursday [20 April].
However, West Ham face off against an in-form Bournemouth side who triumphed at cross-city rivals Tottenham last weekend and sit two points above them in the table but Lawrenson believes the Hammers will continue their resurgence on the South Coast.
Providing his Premier League predictions in his Paddy Power column [21 April], he said:
“I’m going to go for West Ham to win. They’re starting to put a decent run together and I know they play on Thursday night.
“The thing with Bournemouth is that they’ve had some fab results but they just tend to slip up.
“You know with David Moyes like he did last week against Arsenal, it’s just making sure you’re not beaten, that’s the first thing. Bournemouth 1-2 West Ham United.”
Confidence
Few West Ham fans will be getting ahead of themselves after the season they have been forced to endure, but with four points from six in the league, there is cause for slight optimism heading into this one.
Thursday’s superb fightback and result against Gent will have certainly boosted morale and confidence heading into Saturday but it’s up to the Moyes’ men to finally show their Premier League quality and also prove why they are European semi-finalists once again.
West Ham United have such a talented squad but their performances and results this season have simply not matched it and it’s a chance to give the Hammers faithful something to shout about as we move towards the closing stages of the season.
However, Bournemouth have looked a different kettle of fish under former West Ham midfielder Gary O’Neil after looking dead and buried in the relegation battle some weeks ago. They look rejuvenated, full of energy and attacking quality once again and Sunday’s battle should be an intriguing one.
However, as our predictions have mostly failed us this season when it comes to West Ham United, they should probably have too much for the Cherries.