AFC Bournemouth last played in midweek last week when they defeated Everton, with the side getting a weekend off after they were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by Newcastle in the third round.
But the Hammers were taken to extra time by Burton Albion at the weekend and had to work for their eventual 1-0 win at the Pirelli Stadium.
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Bournemouth will be hoping to use that to their advantage when they visit the London Stadium on Saturday. The Daily Echo previews the game.
Team news
Andoni Iraola was boosted by the return of Tyler Adams to the match day squad against Everton, and he’ll be hoping to welcome Marcus Tavernier back into the fold this weekend.
Marcus Tavernier scored from the penalty spot (Image: Richard Crease)
The hope is the Englishman will be available for either the game against the Hammers, or for the visit of Sunderland the following week.
Iraola will still be without Justin Kluivert, Ben Gannon-Doak and Julio Soler.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be boosted by the return of Jean-Clair Todibo from suspension, but Freddie Potts will be out after his red card against Burton Albion.
Pablo is a doubt with a knock, while Lukasz Fabianski is out with a back injury.
Head-to-head
Across 21 games, it is the Hammers that have the better record, although there has been little to separate the two in recent years.
The past five league meetings have resulted in a draw, with three 1-1s and two 2-2s, with the latter scoreline coming the past two games.
Enes Unal scored the equaliser (Image: Richard Crease)
Earlier this term, the Cherries trailed 2-0 at halftime at the Vitality Stadium after a brace from former Bournemouth player Callum Wilson, but an excellent second half saw Bournemouth roar back to win a point.
A Marcus Tavernier penalty followed by an Enes Unal strike saw the Cherries level the game up but a brilliant performance from Alphonse Areola ensured they weren’t able to claim all three points.
Form
The Cherries are on good form, with Iraola’s side six games unbeaten and having only lost once in eight.
They have won four of those six, including last time out at Everton when Bournemouth were 2-1 victors at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Alex Jimenez (Image: Richard Crease)
Rayan and Amine Adli goals earned them the points after they came from a goal down at the break.
The Hammers, meanwhile, are also on decent form as they look to heave themselves out of the relegation zone.
They have picked up ten points from their past five games and have not lost in their past two, with a win over Burnley followed by a draw against Manchester United.
In the cup last weekend, they were made to fight against League One Burton Albion, with Crysencio Summerville’s extra-time goal the only one of the tie as they progressed to the fifth round.
AFC Bournemouth visit West Ham on Saturday, February 21, kick off at 5.30pm.