Preview

Preview - AFC Bournemouth

All the essential information ahead of Tuesday's trip to the Vitality Stadium

The background 

There’s no time for rest for West Ham United as they make a swift return to action on Tuesday evening with a trip to the South Coast to face AFC Bournemouth.
 
The Barclays Premier League debutants secured their first-ever top flight win when they triumphed 4-3 at the Boleyn Ground in August and have continued to make a good fist at life at the highest level.
 
The Cherries have lost only once in their last seven Premier League outings – and that was to league leaders Arsenal – to sit four points above the relegation zone.
 
With five wins and six draws from their 20 games, they currently have 21 points and are within sight of mid-table.
 
Eddie Howe’s side have also made progress in the Emirates FA Cup, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Championship side Birmingham City on Saturday.
 
West Ham are also in fine form, protecting a run of eight games without defeat.  They have won their last three – against Southampton and Liverpool in the league and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.

The history

Historic meetings between the Hammers and Bournemouth are few and far between. In fact, this is just the second season that the two clubs have been together in the same league.
 
Prior to this season, the only other league meetings came in the 1989/90 season, when a 1-1 draw at Dean Court was followed by a 4-1 win for the Hammers in east London.
 
August’s game was Bournemouth’s only-ever win against the Hammers, with three West Ham triumphs in six meetings over all competitions.

The match

Team news

West Ham United
Having made seven changes to his team for Saturday’s FA Cup tie, the likes of Adrian, James Tomkins and Andy Carroll should all return to the starting XI on Tuesday.
 
Dimitri Payet continued his comeback from injury with an appearance from the bench against Wolves, but Manuel Lanzini faces a spell out after suffering a repeat of the injury to his thigh.
 
Cheikhou Kouyate and Enner Valencia both missed Saturday’s game, but the manager expects at least one of them to be ready for Tuesday.
 
Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho remain sidelined, although a return to training for the former is imminent.
Bournemouth 
The Cherries could hand a debut to club record signing Benik Afobe, who signed for a reported £10m from Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend.
 
Fellow new arrival Juan Iturbe could also be involved, if his paperwork is completed in time.

Match info 

  • Tuesday’s match referee is Martin Atkinson. The Yorkshire official has taken charge of 26 matches this season, dishing out 99 yellow cards but no reds.  He has refereed two Hammers games in 2015/16, the season opening 2-0 win over Arsenal and the 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion. The assistant referees are Peter Kirkup and Stephen Child, while the fourth official is Kevin Friend.
  • West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven league matches (W2, D5), one shy of equalling their Premier League club record.
  • The Hammers have conceded just two goals in their last six Premier League matches, keeping four clean sheets.
  • Andy Carroll has scored in his last two league games - he's never scored in three successive Premier League matches.
  • Bournemouth have only lost one of their last eight league games (W3, D4).
  • They have not scored in their last three league games.
  • Midfielder Andrew Surman has completed a Premier League-high 1107 passes this season.

Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info

  • Tickets for Tuesday’s game have SOLD OUT.
  • The final train back to London following the final whistle departs Bournemouth at 2212, but does not get back to London Waterloo until 0112. Click here for the latest news on National Rail services.
  • Supporters travelling by road should note that their journey is likely to be delayed by roadworks on the A338 on the approach to Bournemouth. A 40mph contraflow will be in operation and more details can be found here.
  • Hammers fans should note that alcohol will not be on sale at the Vitality Stadium due to a licencing issue.
  • A chilly, clear evening is expected on the South Coast on Tuesday, with a temperature of 5C (41F) at kick-off.
  • If you’re not heading to the Vitality Stadium, make sure you are following the game on our digital channels. We have live audio commentary, text updates, in-running stats and pictures on the whufc.com Match Centre, and you can also get involved in the conversation on social using the hashtag #BOUWHU