AFC Bournemouth Match Preview

The structure of the 2024/ 25 Premier League fixture programme was such that West Ham United were playing in London until November 17. Now, the Carabao Cup second round draw have also handed them a home tie against fellow Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth tonight.

This is the second game in what is a busy week for the Irons, which also sees them welcome last season’s Champions Manchester City in just four days time.

The Hammers haven’t featured at this stage since the 2020/21 campaign when David Moyes saw his side finally lose at the quarter-final stage to his former club Everton. With his team not having to deal with European commitments this term, Julen Lopetegui might see this as an opportunity for his new team to grab some silverware.

Both these teams were knocked out by Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side last time around. What was even more impressive was that West Ham eliminated Arsenal on their way to facing the Reds in the quarter-final.

The East Londoners will be the fresher of the two teams, given that Andoni Iraola’s side were only in action three days ago when they surrendered a one-goal advantage to share the spoils at home to Newcastle United. On the other hand, the Hammers will be full of confidence after their win over Crystal Palace four days ago.

If the match ends level, then a penalty shoot-out will take place to determine the overall winner. The draw will take place tonight after all the ties have been resolved.

Lopetegui is likely to make changes for this game with Luis Guilherme, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Füllkrug, Jean-Clair Todibo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all pushing for full debuts, while the Spaniard must decide between Wes Foderingham or Łukasz Fabiański to start in goal. Edson Álvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Aaron Cresswell are also all in contention.

Tonight’s match is a 7:45pm kick-off and live coverage will be screened by Sky Sports from 7:40pm. The referee is Peter Bankes.