Jeff Stelling has predicted Bournemouth to comfortably beat West Ham 2-0 when the two sides play each other at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Sky Sports presenter shared that he thought following the Hammers’ heavy defeat courtesy of Liverpool last weekend that Manuel Pellegrini would require more time to get things right at the club.
Stelling suggested that the Reds could have inflicted a heavier defeat than the 4-0 one they did hand Pellegrini’s side as he claimed the scoreline didn’t flatter them.
“West Ham got a real pasting at Anfield didn’t they? Going down by four goals to nil and Liverpool not flattered by that,” stated Stelling in his predicts for Sky Sports.
“They’re at home to Bournemouth this weekend but I think it’s going to take Manuel Pellegrini a little longer to get things right at West Ham.
“I’m going to go for an away win here, West Ham nil, Bournemouth two.”
OPINION
It seems one bad result to a Premier League title contender this season and everyone is willing to write the Hammers off. With no disrespect meant to Eddie Howe’s side they should be an easier opponent for the Hammers compared to the Reds who looked like they were serious about pushing for the league title this season. While the Hammers will still need to up their performance against the Cherries as they were woeful against the Reds, they are capable of doing so. Pellegrini may not get all three points from Saturday’s game but there’s bound to be a significant improvement by his side which at the very least will see them pick up a point. The Hammers have several new faces to blend into the team and last weekend’s display was a result of teething problems as well as having to play one of the best sides in the division.