West Ham vs Bournemouth: Key Lineup Decisions and Injury Updates Ahead of Premier League Clash

Potter’s Puzzle in East London

West Ham return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, tasked with shaking off a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Wolves. Graham Potter’s side welcome Bournemouth to the London Stadium, a fixture that brings a blend of hope and uncertainty for Hammers supporters.

With Bournemouth flying under Andoni Iraola this season, West Ham are under pressure to deliver a response. The Irons have shown flashes of promise under Potter, but consistency has remained elusive—particularly in the final third.

Injury Concerns and Player Fitness

There is at least some cause for optimism in terms of team selection. Jean-Clair Todibo, who missed the trip to Molineux due to illness, is back in training. Potter shed light on the French defender’s recent absence:
“He just felt worse and worse as Tuesday went on. We thought he might be able to come on, but he was just getting worse. He’s just finished Ramadan as well, and in the end he was just too poorly to play.”

Mohamed Kudus, a key creative force when fit, has returned to “light training” after a minor injury setback before the Wolves fixture. While it’s unclear whether he’ll be fit to start, his presence in the squad would significantly enhance West Ham’s attacking potential.

Left-back Emerson Palmieri, who has been carrying a calf issue, is expected to feature. Potter’s tactical flexibility might see him used conservatively if necessary, especially with Antonio and Crysencio Summerville both still sidelined.

Questions Over Key Attacking Roles

Luis Guilherme’s position is also in doubt after a subdued outing at Molineux, where he managed just 15 touches and failed to enter the opponent’s box. Potter defended the young Brazilian but suggested his development remains a work in progress:
“He is a fantastic lad who wants to help. His time will come again.”

Fellow substitute Evan Ferguson endured a similar struggle before being replaced by Niclas Fullkrug, whose energy and hold-up play could offer a different dynamic this weekend. Potter remained coy on whether Fullkrug would start:
“He’s working hard in training and wants to play, and we’ll see how much he can do at the weekend.”

Predicted Lineup and Tactical Considerations

If West Ham hope to challenge Bournemouth’s high pressing game and transitional threat, they will need control in midfield and precision on the counter. Expect James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paquetá to orchestrate from deep while Jarrod Bowen’s movement remains key to unlocking Iraola’s defensive lines.

Predicted West Ham XI:
Areola; Mavropanos, Kilman, Cresswell; Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá, Emerson; Bowen, Fullkrug, Kudus