Mark Lawrenson has backed West Ham to beat Bournemouth 2-0 in the Premier League tomorrow, when writing his regular prediction column for BBC Sport.
The Hammers are in dire straits at the moment. Manuel Pellegrini was sacked on Saturday after the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City. And David Moyes has taken the Chilean’s place.
The Scot really has his work cut-out. West Ham are currently sitting in 17th spot in the Premier League table, just one point clear of the drop zone.
Bournemouth are hardly flying, however, and are only one point ahead of the Hammers.
It is vital that West Ham kick off Moyes’s second coming with a win against the Cherries tomorrow.
Defeat could see them start the year inside the bottom three, if Aston Villa win or draw away at Burnley.
Lawrenson believes that the Hammers will have enough to win the game against the south coast outfit, however:
“The return of David Moyes is just what West Ham need. He’ll get them organised and difficult to beat. All this ‘the fans aren’t happy he’s coming back’… the fans have got to be realistic. He’s been appointed to make sure they stay up. His record is very good and if you look at how many times he has been a manager in the Premier League, he knows all about it and how it works. I know Bournemouth have been hit by injuries but they look flat. I think West Ham will get a bounce because of the new manager.”
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0
Moyes’s team need a win…badly
Hammers fans will be praying that Lawro is correct. On their day, West Ham can mix it with anyone. They should have more than enough to beat Bournemouth, but the club’s fans will know only too well how inconsistent the players have been this season.
It’s the Premier League, and anything can happen. The Cherries will be no pushovers, just look at their recent away win at Chelsea.
The Hammers players need to stand up and be counted. And three points against Bournemouth tomorrow is an absolute must.
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