West Ham play their first home game of the season this weekend as Bournemouth come to town, and it’s a chance for Manuel Pellegrini to quickly erase memories of the 4-0 opening day defeat to Liverpool.
The Hammers were comfortably beaten at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds showcased their ruthless side which will probably see them challenge Manchester City for the league title this year.
West Ham are currently bottom of the pile in the Premier League thanks to that result, but there is no need for any concern just yet, and the Cherries represent a real chance to get off the mark in gameweek two.
Eddie Howe’s side won their opening clash against new boys Cardiff City 2-0, and will be seeking two make it two on the bounce, but who are the threats the Irons should be worried about and how can they be nullified?
Charlie Daniels
Daniels has the potential to wreak havoc with that sweet left foot of his. The 31-year-old doesn’t go marauding up and down the wing all game any more but is especially dangerous crossing from deep. It’ll be down to Michail Antonio, Robert Snodgrass or Andriy Yarmolenko to get to him quickly. Pressing him is key to stopping the supply to Callum Wilson and Josh King.
David Brooks
The £10 million summer signing from Sheffield United was lively against Cardiff from the right, and is clearly a big young talent. Wales boss Ryan Giggs was in attendance to cast his eye over the 21-year-old, who has excellent technical ability and an eye for a killer pass. Mark Noble and Declan Rice need to harry the youngster to prevent those crafty through balls and mazy dribbles.
Ryan Fraser
Fraser is always industrious for Bournemouth, but hasn’t always had the goal productivity stats to bring the attention his way. Scoring against Cardiff, the Scot looked extremely threatening, often coming in off the wing to dribble. His low centre of gravity is a problem and Ryan Fredericks, if selected, will have to be very careful against the nippy winger.
Callum Wilson
Wilson was in the thick of the action last weekend and has the potential to be the Cherries’ top scorer this season if he can stay injury-free. The 26-year-old has a good goals record for the south coast club, and possesses electric pace, meaning Fabian Balbuena should perhaps allow Angelo Ogbonna to keep tabs on him – the Italian being the much more mobile of the two.
Josh King
King can be a nightmare to play against on his day. The Norway international plays slightly off of Wilson, but can also push right up there with him, making him a bit of a pain to track. The former Manchester United youth product isn’t as clinical as Wilson, but is intelligent and productive and so the likes of Rice and the two centre-halves will have to keep on their toes around him and stop him ghosting into the box as he does.
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