West Ham United and Bournemouth will clash at the London Stadium on Wednesday in the second round of the EFL Cup. Both teams have made solid starts to the new season, settling in mid-table despite significant player departures over the summer. Julen Lopetegui, who has taken over from David Moyes, faces the challenge of continuing the Hammers’ success.
Following a commendable European Cup journey in recent years, West Ham is eager to make an impact domestically. West Ham rebounded from an opening-day loss to Aston Villa with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend. Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scored in the second half to secure Lopetegui’s first win. The manager will aim to build on this success with another win in the cup.
EFL Cup-Related History and H2H
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For the first time in four years, West Ham will participate in the second round of the EFL Cup. Despite reaching the quarter-finals last season—where Liverpool beat them—West Ham has a history of reaching the latter stages of this competition, having made it to the semi-finals twice since 2011. However, they have never won the cup, with their last final appearance in 1981. After their Conference League triumph in 2023, fans are hopeful for more success.
Bournemouth will be looking to bounce back from a frustrating 1-1 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday. A last-minute goal by Dango Ouattara was ruled out due to a controversial VAR decision, much to the anger of manager Andoni Iraola. Bournemouth could not secure the win despite leading at halftime as Newcastle equalized and failed to find a second goal.
Bournemouth, who are adjusting to life without Dominic Solanke, will be eager to get a positive result before facing a struggling Everton side. They have performed well at this stage in recent years, only losing once since their Premier League promotion. Their previous EFL Cup exits were in the fourth round against Liverpool and Newcastle, respectively.
Team News
With significant summer signings, West Ham fans may see several new faces starting, including Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville, with possible rest for Bowen and Lucas Paqueta. Defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo are set to make their debuts despite the defense’s solid performance last weekend.
Bournemouth’s new record signing Evanilson debuted at the weekend and may start again. Iraola might rotate his squad, bringing in players like Ouattara, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, and Dean Huijsen. Injuries continue to affect Bournemouth, with Enes Unal, Tyler Adams, and David Brooks still sidelined.
West Ham United’s possible starting lineup: Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Summerville, Fullkrug, Kudus
Bournemouth’s possible starting lineup: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie, Scott; Sinisterra, Evanilson, Ouattara
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