West Ham team prediction v Bournemouth featuring Niclas Fullkrug.
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Sat 2 August 2025 18:10, UK
West Ham face Bournemouth in their final match of the Premier League Summer Series on Sunday.
The London Stadium outfit have had mixed fortunes in the United States so far, with a narrow loss to Manchester United (26 July) and a victory against Everton (30 July).
Graham Potter‘s side will be looking to finish their American stint with another win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (3 August).
If they can secure a positive result, it could help them massively in their start to the new campaign, one which will be vital for the ex-Brighton manager.
London Stadium, West Ham
The E20 side will be keen to start the season. (Credit: Imago)
Potter to make five West Ham changes v Bournemouth
Alphonse Areola is expected to return in goal after Wes Foderingham played the full 90 minutes in the win over the Toffees.
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Kyle Walker-Peters started at right wing back, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka might be brought in against the Cherries.
On the opposite flank, new addition El Hadji Malick Diouf is predicted to retain his spot in the starting line-up after another impressive performance against the Blues.
Potter is expected to employ three centre-backs with Jean-Clair Todibo returning to the line-up, with Max Kilman and Kaelan Casey keeping their places in the team.
At the base of midfield, James Ward-Prowse and youngster Freddie Potts are predicted to stay in the engine room, with Lucas Paqueta ahead of them in the number 10 role.
Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Fullkrug might return to the line-up after coming on at half-time against David Moyes’ side.
The latter notched the winner and therefore is expected to be handed a chance to impress over young talent Callum Marshall.
West Ham predicted XI v Bournemouth.
West Ham predicted XI v Bournemouth.
Fullkrug could be Potter’s go-to man next season
The East London outfit are yet to sign a new striker, although they are understood to be in talks with Callum Wilson over a free transfer.
Given his fitness record, though, he would likely be brought in as a backup rather than a permanent starter, which could mean it is Fullkrug’s gig to lose.
That is if Potter and Co fail to bring in another attacker, which remains to be seen, with less than two weeks until the season begins.
The German could experience a revival in his second season in E20, which would be a remarkable turnaround given his dismal first campaign in new surroundings.
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