An all-Premier League tie takes place at the London Stadium in the second round of the EFL Cup.
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West Ham United vs Bournemouth predictions
It is becoming harder and harder for clubs like West Ham United and Bournemouth to win the EFL Cup.
In the 1990s, the Premier League was more fluid than it is today. Manchester United and Arsenal aimed to challenge for every trophy, but it is notable that there were nine different winners of this competition in that decade. The only repeat champions were not United or Arsenal, but Aston Villa.
Between 2000 and 2009, United, Chelsea and Liverpool each got their hands on the prize on two occasions. But Middlesbrough, Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers were also triumphant. Even Tottenham Hotspur went all the way once.
Birmingham City and Swansea City broke through the pack in 2011 and 2013 respectively, but since then no mid-ranking Premier League side has won the EFL Cup.
Indeed, the last nine editions have been shared exclusively between Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
In that time, the best Premier League teams have grown relatively stronger than the rest of the division as compared to the earlier years of the competition. Manchester United won the Premier League title with 79 points in 1998/99. That would not have been enough for third place last term.
The so-called big six of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been joined by the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the last couple of years. It is harder than ever for clubs like West Ham and Bournemouth to win domestic silverware.
The Hammers memorably triumphed in the Europa Conference League in 2022/23, however, and they have shown plenty of ambition in the summer transfer market. If there is to be a ‘surprise’ winner of the EFL Cup this season, it may well be them.
First, though, West Ham must get past Bournemouth on Wednesday night. That will not be easy.
West Ham United vs Bournemouth betting tips
This is a difficult match to call and West Ham United are unlikely to have everything their own way on home turf.
West Ham United to qualify – 4/6 (Spreadex)
Both West Ham United and Bournemouth would have hoped for a kinder draw than this. At the same time, Julen Lopetegui and Andoni Iraola will believe their respective teams can come out on top.
The big unknown is how seriously the two managers will take the EFL Cup. If one names his strongest XI and the other plays the reserves, that will naturally skew the tie in favour of the former.
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If we assume that West Ham and Bournemouth will both adapt their line-ups without swapping 11 players, it makes sense to back the east Londoners to come out on top. They have a deeper squad and are playing in front of their own supporters.
Hedge your bets by choosing West Ham to qualify as opposed to winning in 90 minutes. Note that the game will go straight to penalties if there is no winner in regulation time.
⚽ Tip West Ham United to qualify at 4/6 with Spreadex ⚽
Draw at half-time – 5/4 (Spreadex)
Both teams have made decent starts to the 2024/25 campaign. West Ham matched Aston Villa in gameweek one but were ultimately edged out 2-1. They then beat Crystal Palace 2-0 last time out.
As for Bournemouth, they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest in their first outing and played out another 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday.
As those scorelines show, all four games have been tight. Even West Ham’s defeat of Crystal Palace was a close match for the most part.
It is notable, too, that the score has been level at the interval in both games involving Lopetegui’s side in 2024/25.
This one could follow suit, especially as West Ham and Bournemouth are likely to make changes – including the introduction of some summer signings. It is not a case of familiar XIs going out there on autopilot.
Wednesday’s game could be a slow-burner with nothing separating the sides at half-time.
⚽ Go for a draw at half-time at 5/4 with Spreadex ⚽
Niclas Fullkrug to score any time – 6/4 (Betfred)
Having begun the loss to Aston Villa on the bench, it was a slight surprise that Niclas Fullkrug did not start for West Ham against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Michail Antonio’s ability to stretch the opposing backline was perhaps the primary reason for his selection at Selhurst Park, but Fullkrug’s penalty-box presence means he should get the nod at home to Bournemouth.
Lopetegui will see this as an ideal opportunity to take a proper look at the Germany international, who moved to the London Stadium from Borussia Dortmund over the summer.
Fullkrug’s scoring record is solid and he is a real handful inside the 18-yard box, especially in the air.
If West Ham can get good deliveries into the penalty area, their new centre-forward is capable of wreaking havoc. Fullkrug will be desperate to open his account for his new club this week.
⚽ Back Niclas Fullkrug to score any time at 6/4 with Spreadex ⚽
📺 How to watch West Ham United vs Bournemouth
- Location: London Stadium, London, England.
- Date and time: Wednesday 28th August, 7.45pm.
- How to watch: Sky Sports+.
Read more about the 2024/25 football season
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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