This Saturday West Ham welcome Bournemouth to the London Stadium, their FA Cup defeat against Wigan means we will not be facing them in the Fourth Round. Meanwhile we are unbeaten in our last 4 games, losing 1 of the last 6. It’s less than a month since West Ham were denied 3 points against the Cherries as they sneaked a very dubious late minute equaliser to make it 3 – 3. Ahead of the match I spoke to Peter Bell of “CherryChimes”:http://afcbchimes.blogspot.co.uk/ to chat about the game.
Bournemouth had a great win against Arsenal last time out, are you confident that you can take our scalp this Saturday?
Just because Bournemouth have beaten one London team it doesn’t mean they can easily get another three points. Sadly, we have not had back-to-back wins in the league since early November when Newcastle and Huddersfield were beaten. The match against West Ham in December showed that the teams were pretty equally matched and I’m expecting a feisty match of free kicks this time, as West Ham were none to pleased about Simon Francis challenge on Chiekhou Kouyate nor the goal that Wilson palmed in at the end. I don’t think the West Ham players like Bournemouth very much.
Eddie Howe is in that crop of English managers who can only get a Premier League job through promotion, you must be delighted with the work he’s done with you over the past few years.
To be honest, Bournemouth simply wouldn’t be in the Premier League if it were not for a brave decision to give Eddie a chance at management back at the start of 2009 when the Cherries were in real trouble in League Two and facing relegation to what was then the Conference. We soon knew we had a great young manager but we had a hard period when he left for Burnley and it was unbelievable that events enabled him and Jason Tindall to return in 2012. The rest has just gone like a dream, but a lot of that has been down to the financial input of Max Denim as well as our US owners, Peak 6 Investments, who have continued to back the manager. The important thing now is that Eddie Howe has built a structure at the club and we are just starting to see youth players like Jack Simpson coming through to the first team. Hopefully, there will be some others to follow soon.
We’re halfway through the season, which other teams/players have impressed you this season?
Burnley have set the standard really and I think Sean Dyche has been amazing along with his players. That Nick Pope in goal just hasn’t had a bad match and he must be knocking on the door of England selection now. I’ve also been impressed with Huddersfield. If they stay up they will have done brilliantly and I like the way they have gone out to try and win games, even against the big teams. Man City have blown everyone away and they now how to do it in the Champions League. Crystal Palace have also done well of late and surely Wilfred Zaha is too good a player to be playing at Selhurst Park next season. I wonder if Chelsea might come calling?
They’ve’ve had a great start to the season considering their origins, (although we beat them last week 1 – 4) but what position do you think Huddersfield Town will finish come next May?
Before a ball is kicked I admit they were in my bottom three. I just think they deserve to stay up and hopefully not at the expense of Bournemouth. I think their fans would be happy with 17th. They’ve been a good addition to the Premier League.
Where do you think West Ham will end the season?
Both Bournemouth and West Ham have had slow starts this season and have been in the bottom three, but they are both winning the important games against those in the lower half of the division. Long may that continue. It should see them both keeping out of the relegation zone now, but West Ham are probably find it difficult to get above 12th in the final table.
This is your 3rd season in the Premier League, are you confident that you are going to be here next season? What position are you hoping to finish the season?
I suppose I’m more confident having beaten Arsenal but the big matches are against the teams in and around us and if the club’s home form remains strong then we should have enough to stay up. Keeping players free from injury is the worry and we are still going to be without Jermaine Defoe until April. If Bournemouth can finish 14th or higher I’d be delighted.
Given your answer, which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the title this season?
Well, the latter part of your question is easier to answer first as Man City look uncatchable. The second place race is more interesting and I think Liverpool could yet surprise people the way things are going for Man Utd and Chelsea. As for the relegation candidates, I will not shed any tears if Stoke City go down. But my three are Swansea, Newcastle and WBA.
The transfer window is open, which areas need improving in your team, and which player(s) would you be loathe to see go?
I don’t expect Bournemouth to bring in any players in this window as I don’t frankly see a lot of players that would really improve the side for the amount of money the club would be happy spending. In the summer I would like to see a right back or right footed centre-back. Josh King is the player I’d most like to keep hold of as we know what he is capable of doing now and while it has not gone as well for him this season I believe he will improve further.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
I’m torn between Javier Hernandez and Manuel Lanzini to be honest. Eddie Howe loves attacking players and while Hernandez would be a similar player to Defoe, he would always be a great option to bring on. Lanzini is a clever player who finds space and can create for others so I’d probably just favour him.
How do you expect Bournemouth to setup against West Ham on Saturday/team/formation prediction?
It’s likely to be 3-4-2-1.
Begovic
Francis S Cook Aké
A Smith Gosling L Cook Daniels
Ibe Fraser
Wilson
Prediction for score?
I know both teams really want the win and yet I’m going to go for a hard fought 2-2 draw.
Many thanks to Peter for his time: you can see his musings on “CherryChimes”:http://afcbchimes.blogspot.co.uk/. I think he is correct in that West Ham players will feel aggrieved about the last game and so I think we will beat them by the odd goal or two. 3 – 1 to the Hammers. COYI