Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United will seek to start Saturday's game with AFC Bournemouth the same way they finished against Leicester City a week ago.
The Hammers produced a stirring second-half performance against the Foxes, scoring through Dimitri Payet and coming close to pulling off a deserved comeback from a 2-0 half-time deficit.
Cresswell says Slaven Bilic will be demanding that his team do not give themselves the same steep mountain to climb when they host the Barclays Premier League new boys at the Boleyn Ground.
"We played Arsenal away and got a 2-0 win and the three points, but against Leicester it wasn't so good, especially in the first half when I think we were well off it and we weren't good enough," said the Hammer of the Year.
"After the first ten minutes it was all Leicester in the first half, but in the second half I thought we were excellent and we deserved more out of the game than we got.
"Overall I think we're all fairly pleased with the way things are going. Obviously it's still early doors for the new gaffer and his coaching staff and everyone is still getting used to each other, so hopefully the future is really good."
Cresswell was an interested viewer as Bournemouth pushed Liverpool all the way before going down to a narrow defeat at Anfield on Monday evening – their second 1-0 defeat following an opening-day loss at home to Aston Villa.
"It was tough for them, as it's the first time the club has been in the Premier League," said the No3, who has made his own smooth transition from the Championship to the Barclays Premier League. "I watched them on Monday night against Liverpool and I thought they were excellent and unlucky not to get something out of the game.
"It's the Premier League and we know it's going to be tough week in, week out, and it doesn't matter who you are playing, whether it's Chelsea, Manchester United or Bournemouth, no disrespect. That said, we're confident and looking forward to Saturday.
"You've got to treat every opponent with respect and work hard, because without those things you won't get far and pick points up."
If West Ham are to beat Eddie Howe's side, one player who could be huge for the home side is recent signing Payet.
Cresswell has been impressed by the impact made by the France international, who has shone in both league matches so far and also chalked up an assist in the 2-0 win at Arsenal a fortnight ago.
"I think the new boys have been excellent so far," he said. "It's still early doors but I think Dimitri has been a fantastic signing and looks like he is a fantastic player. He has got a goal and an assist in the first two games, so hopefully he can carry that form on throughout the season and we can be consistent as a team." Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/August/22-August/Cresswell-We%E2%80%99re-confident#FRgEUa3MGBXA8Ebb.99
West Ham United 2-2 Chelsea Division One 22 August 1970
22 August has been a fruitful day in West Ham United history, with the Hammers having lost only three of the 12 matches contested on this date.
One of the positive results came in entertaining circumstances against Chelsea in the third game of the 1970/71 season, with West Ham seeking their first win.
The meeting with Chelsea was the Hammers' third consecutive derby, following matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, and it looked for a while that West Ham would break their winning duck.
An eleventh minute goal from Bobby Howe was quickly added to another from Geoff Hurst and the Hammers were 2-0 up.
But Chelsea came roaring back after the break through Keith Weller to ensure the spoils would be shared.
Complete record - 22 August
1949 West Ham United 3-1 Leeds United (Division Two) 1953 West Ham United 4-1 Leicester City (Division Two) 1955 Port Vale 2-1 West Ham United (Division Two) 1959 West Ham United 3-0 Leicester City (Division One) 1960 West Ham United 5-2 Aston Villa (Division One) 1964 Fulham 1-2 West Ham United (Division One) 1970 West Ham United 2-2 Chelsea (Division One) 1972 Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United (Division One) 1987 Luton Town 2-2 West Ham United (Division One) 1992 West Ham United 0-1 Charlton Athletic (Division One) 1998 West Ham United 0-0 Manchester United (Premier League) 2006 Watford 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 12, Won 5, Drawn 4, Lost 3, Scored 23, Conceded 16
West Ham United are the 13/10 favourites with Betway to bounce back from last week's defeat at the hands of Leicester and beat Premier League newcomers Bournemouth. The Cherries won't be a pushover, as seen in their unlucky defeat at Liverpool on Monday. An away win is priced at 21/10 and the draw is 12/5.
Bournemouth are looking for their first goal of the campaign and the Hammers are 19/10 to keep a clean-sheet against Eddie Howe's side. The popular 'First Goalscorer' market sees Diafra Sakho as a 5/1 favourite to break the deadlock. Dimitri Payet looks a promising alternative in that list at a generous 7/1. He is also 11/4 to score at any time in the match.
The last league match between the two sides at the Boleyn Ground occurred in April 1990. The final result was a comprehensive 4-1 win for the Hammers. A repeat of that scoreline on Saturday is offered at 33/1 on our 'Correct Score' market. The 6/1 favourite on that list is a 1-1 draw.
At Betway we enjoy pricing up a number of exclusive markets on matches involving West Ham. For this game we offer Dimitri Payet to score first in a West Ham United victory at a stand-out 14/1. With over 100 markets on the fixture we are sure that you will find something to take your fancy.
Remember you can access a whole host of Hammers exclusive Betway seasonal bets by clicking here.
Find the latest Betway odds on West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth, and a comprehensive range of weekend Football markets at www.betway.com
Prices may fluctuate, correct at time of going to press
As I annoyingly predicted here a week ago, Leicester City were to prove more difficult opponents at Upton Park than Arsenal at the Emirates. By the time we started to really press the Foxes, after half time, it was simply too little, too late to impact the result.
Dimitri Payet's goal came from our first shot on target - in the 55th minute! Although, we were also wrongfully denied a penalty shortly before the break, when Kasper Schmeichel halted Diafra Sakho in his tracks. We clearly benefited from a half-time reshuffle and hopefully by the time Bournemouth arrive in E13 on Saturday, Slaven will have already struck upon a winning formula.
This is the thing about a new team with a new coach beginning a new season. It's difficult to expect things to start clicking straight away and in the first few weeks this is the time when poor results should be overlooked.
We must forget Leicester quickly and try to get our sixth point from a possible nine against Bournemouth. I don't know about you, but I'd have bitten your hand off for that start to the campaign. The trouble is, this won't be an easy fixture either.
They've perhaps been unlucky to lose both their matches so far and although they might appear favourable opponents on paper, they're far better in reality. In terms of being a team, there are few others that can match up to Eddie Howe's, which was part-constructed in League One three seasons ago and has forged a successful bond ever since.
They will come to play football and try to soak up possession with a likely five-man midfield. They also boast pace in abundance where it counts, through striker Callum Wilson and supporting wide men Max Gradel and Josh King. Danger man Matt Ritchie is no slouch either.
It's imperative that we start well or they'll settle. I'd gladly take a half like the second against Leicester to start with and have something to build on at the break. We need to get used to being in command on our own turf and give the fans something to get behind.
I personally believe we'll surprise a few on our travels this season, but it's no good if we can't win at home. There's real ability in this side, but in order to turn the Boleyn into a fortress we need the players to show some real character. Let's start on the front foot and act like we believe we can be the top half side we have all the potential to be. Get the first goal, perhaps a second and suddenly you actually start to believe it yourself.
For more fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
Akinola recently signed a new contract with West Ham
Having excelled in his GCSEs, picking up an outstanding seven A*'s and five A's highly-rated defender Tunji Akinola is looking forward to West Ham United U18s game against Norwich City on Saturday 22 August.
Last weekend, the young Hammers picked up their first point of the new campaign, Oscar Borg's goal against rivals Tottenham Hotspur sealing a 1-1 draw.
Describing the moment he opened the all-important results letter, Akinola said: "I'm very happy with my results; I worked really hard so I'm glad the grades reflected that.
"I picked up my results from school, it was a bit nerve racking opening the letter, but obviously I was very happy as soon as I saw them."
Like all scholars at the Club, the Londoner will continue his education alongside his football commitments, as he confirmed that he will be starting BTEC courses this September.
"I'm going to do the BTEC that West Ham are offering, all my teammates and coaching staff have been very supportive; they were happy for me too."
Paul Tighe, Head of Education at the Academy congratulated the youngster on his phenomenal achievement, saying: "We've always known that Tunji is a bright lad and he's demonstrated that. He worked incredibly hard and thankfully his efforts have been rewarded. We like to push every player at the Academy to be the best they can be, not just in a football sense, but in all aspects.
"If, like Tunji, a player shows an aptitude for something away from football, we'll do all we can to support them.
Alongside Akinola, several scholars passed their GCSEs in a variety of different subjects, including teammate Joe Powell who secured a B in Spanish, opening the door for a possible move to La Liga, should he ever leave the Hammers.
Having celebrated their results, both are likely to feature in the Hammers' game against Norwich City on Saturday morning.
Akinola, who has started both League games so far, is confident his side can record their first win of the season.
"Training has been very good lately; everyone's looking very sharp and hungry recently. Everyone looks like they are enjoying themselves which is always a good sign.
"Norwich are quite a physical side, we just about beat them last year but it was tough. We've been playing pretty well but only got one point so I want us to start winning and moving up the table."
Similarly, the Canaries have got their campaign off to a slow start with a 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea on the opening day of the season followed by a 2-0 loss away at Arsenal.
Kick off on Saturday from the Canaries' Colney Training Centre is at 11am. We'll have a match report and reaction on www.whufc.com.
image: https:/ Our result against Leicester in the first home game of the new Premier League season might have been forgettable, but the match will forever be remembered for a selection of loyal and dedicated Hammers fans.
Principal sponsors Betway wanted to celebrate the launch of the new West Ham home shirt - and the club's final season at the Boleyn Ground - with you, the fans.
So prior to last Saturday's game, they enlisted the help of one of our most-famous sons - the legendary Sir Trevor Brooking - and made a surprise visit to the Hammers Social Club, which is nestled only a matter of metres away from the famous old stadium that we will be vacating at the season's end.
Sir Trevor was greeted with a spontaneous, rapturous and well-deserved applause upon walking through the door. It was a wonderful and moving moment which emphasised the impact the man has had on so many people.
Once the ovation quietened, the former No. 10 made his way around the club and handed out our new home shirt - which he also signed - to some of the club's most-deserving supporters. The amount of time that Sir Trevor spent with fans of all ages showed just how much those same people mean to him.
Betway filmed the event and their #PrideInYourShirt video will be shown on the Boleyn Ground's jumbo screen at half-time during the game against Bournemouth. The clip from the special day - in addition to interviews with coaching assistant Julian Dicks and manager Slaven Bilic - are available to view on the Betway Insider blog and Betway's Twitter, YouTube and Facebook pages.
Our sponsors were honoured to spend time with those supporters who have been closely associated with West Ham for many years. It is a shirt - and club - to be proud of.
AFC Bournemouth won promotion on the back of a possession-based attacking style of play that yielded 98 goals in 46 Championship matches.
A return of zero from their opening two Barclays Premier League fixtures suggests Eddie Howe's side are struggling to impose that same style in the top flight.
In reality, though, while the goals have so far proved hard to come by, Bournemouth are sticking to their principles, passing and creating chances galore.
In their two matches, which have ended in narrow 1-0 defeats by Aston Villa and Liverpool, Bournemouth have averaged 52 per cent possession and completed 81 per cent of their passes.
The Cherries have passed the ball 996 times in their opening two games, with 816 of those passes being classified as 'short', and just 124 as 'long balls'.
That possession has led to 24 shots on goal, with 16 of them being taken from inside the penalty area, but only four of them have been on target.
If Bournemouth are to survive this season, they will need to improve those ratios and start to turn their ability to keep the ball into an ability to score goals.
The most important attacking figure in the Bournemouth side is right winger Matt Ritchie. The 25-year-old Scot is a determined character who is never afraid to unleash a shot on goal, as he did in hitting the post at Anfield on Monday evening.
As is the fashion these days, Ritchie is played 'inverted' and will often favour cutting inside onto his left foot over going outside his full-back.
Ritchie and fellow winger Max Gradel, who debuted at Liverpool, are also keen to combine with their full-backs and get crosses into the opposition penalty area. The two widemen and full-backs – Simon Francis and Charlie Daniels – have combined to put 42 balls into the box in just two matches, but just seven of them have found teammates.
Bournemouth are not a physically imposing team in attack, with 6'0 Callum Wilson and 6'1 Joshua King leading the line in their opening two matches, so deliveries are more likely to be low crosses, cut-backs or through balls for the mobile attacking pair to latch onto
Playing with a 4-4-2 formation, there is a lot of pressure on Bournemouth's two central midfielders to perform.
Andrew Surman is an experienced all-rounder, with decent mobility and the ability to pick a pass. Alongside him, Northern Irishman Eunan O'Kane came into the starting XI at Anfield and impressed with his positional play and willingness to join in the attack by making runs from deep, with or without the ball at his feet
At the back, captain Tommy Elphick has become Bournemouth's leader and organiser. The 27-year-old is not physically dominant at 5'11, but has the athleticism and competitiveness to deal with strikers and markers far bigger than himself. He also possesses good concentration levels.
Alongside him, Steve Cook is slightly taller and equally adept in aerial situations, while both Bournemouth centre-backs are comfortable with the ball at their feet.
In goal, Polish veteran Artur Boruc is an imposing figure at 6'4 and possesses fine reflexes.
Possible team: (4-4-2) Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, O'Kane, Surman, Gradel, King, Wilson
Joint-Chairman David Gold looks ahead to Saturday's visit of AFC Bournemouth
We return to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to take on Bournemouth and everyone is keen to open our home account for the season.
Bournemouth are new to the Barclays Premier League, of course, and have made a tremendous rise over the past few years to reach the top flight. I watched their game against Liverpool on Monday night and although the result did not go their way, they showed they will not be overawed by any fixture in this division.
Our job is to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to Leicester City and I think we saw enough in the second half of that game to suggest that we are well capable of claiming the three points and add to the victory we took at Arsenal on the opening day of the season.
With just over a week to the end of the summer transfer window, the speculation about who we will be bringing in is increasing.
The media speculation and questions all seem to come back to who we will be bringing in up front.. Elswhere in the squad, if you saw Pedro Obiang against Leicester you can see we have some real legs in midfield and what with Dimitri Payet, who is a proper player, along with Mark Noble, Cheik Kouyate and Kevin Nolan we are well equipped in that area.
You will always want more and you are never satisfied but for me if we bring in one more midfielder like an Alex Song and a striker then we would be well set.
As the negotiations to bring in those new players enter their final stages over the coming week, I would just like to pay tribute to my fellow Joint-Chairman David Sullivan, as people just do not know the work he puts in.
Lots of Chairmen go after signings but they don't do the due diligence that David Sullivan does and that's what makes him special. We have our advisors around us and Slaven will tell us the players we are looking for but actually buying them is easier said than done.
It's not like going into a supermarket and picking up a striker from the shelves. It's tremendously hard work and most of it fails because of a thousand different reasons but it's that due diligence that lands great players like Dimitri Payet. I am sure his efforts will once again come good for us all.
West Ham United face their second home game in succession on Saturday when AFC Bournemouth come to the Boleyn Ground.
The Cherries are new to the Barclays Premier League, having lifted the Championship title last term, but will arrive in east London with no points to their name from their opening two fixtures.
However, performances have been better than that, and narrow 1-0 defeats to Aston Villa and Liverpool could easily have gone the other way.
West Ham, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back quickly from the disappointment of defeat to Leicester City last weekend.
Slaven Bilic's men were on a high after defeating Arsenal in their season opener, but goals from Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez meant Dimitri Payet's reply counted for little.
The history
Bournemouth have risen rapidly up the leagues to their current standing in the top flight.
Just six years ago they were in League Two, but Eddie Howe has steered them on their upward trajectory to now be fighting it out amongst the game's elite.
The Hammers and Bournemouth have only been in the same division for one previous season, when they both featured in Division Two in 1989/90.
Back then West Ham defeated Bournemouth 4-1 at home and drew 1-1 away. The clubs have also met on three occasions in cup action, with the Hammers winning all three ties.
The more obvious historical links between the teams lie in the players who have played for both, with Harry Redknapp's position as a former player and manager at both meaning many young Hammers cut their teeth at Dean Court during his tenure.
The likes of Jermain Defoe and Rio Ferdinand went on loan there, while current Bournemouth youth coaches Stephen Purches and Carl Fletcher both played for West Ham.
Match info
Team news
West Ham United
Mauro Zarate will miss out for the Hammers after suffering a hamstring injury in training this week. The Argentine is likely to return to action following the international break.
Enner Valencia (leg) and Andy Carroll (knee) remain on the sidelines, while Darren Randolph will fill in for Adrian in goal, who serves the first game of a three-match ban.
Pedro Obiang will be pressing for a first start in West Ham colours after impressing from the bench last weekend.
AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe is unlikely to change much around after his team's impressive performance at Liverpool on Monday night.
Harry Arter (groin) is their only long-term absentee, while new signings Sylvain Distin and Tyrone Mings await their debuts.
Match facts
Saturday's referee is Jonathan Moss. The Tyne & Wear official will be assisted by Simon Long and Andy Halliday. The fourth official is Peter Bankes.
West Ham and Bournemouth have met five times before, with Bournemouth never winning. West Ham have triumphed on three occasions, while there have been two draws.
The two teams last met in the League Cup in 1999, when Eddie Howe started for Bournemouth and the Hammers won 2-0.
Adrian's red card against Leicester means he will miss his first Premier League match since New Year's Day 2014, ending a run of 58 consecutive starts.
Callum Wilson has earned eleven penalties since the start of last season, more than any other player. In that time only Swindon Town have won more spot kicks, with 14 to their name.
Andrew Surman's tally of 167 passes from the first two games in the highest in the Premier League.
Betting
Our principal sponsors Betway analyse the betting markets ahead of Saturday's game here.
Tickets, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for Saturday's game have SOLD OUT. However, they may become available online as Season Ticket holders relist.
The District and Hammersmith & City lines serving Upton Park are due to run as normal on Saturday. Check here for up to the minute updates on the Tube network and here for National Rail.
whufc.com will carry live updates, photos, stats and audio commentary throughout the day. Get involved in the conversation on social media using #WHUBOU
Saturday is set to be a lovely day, with sunny skies and temperatures hitting 29C (84F) at kick-off.
We're all looking forward to getting back to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to hopefully put our first home win of the season on the board.
We've got Bournemouth and I watched their game against Liverpool on Monday and they look a good outfit. I think they were unlucky in that game.
They were hard working and have some quality as well. It's going to be a challenge for them, of course, but it's going to be a difficult game for us too.
We need to win these games at home – last week was a big disappointment and we need to bounce back from that.
We will need to put in a good performance and a professional performance if we are to get the three points.
We started well in the first ten minutes against Leicester last week, but then seemed to sit back a little bit and not press as well as we can,
They got their two goals and it was an uphill battle, but we showed plenty of spirit in the second half and got back in the game. That patch when we were second best in the first half ultimately cost us.
I've had a couple of 90 minutes under my belt so I'm looking to be flying now as I should be fully fit. I've got to express myself and play to the best of my ability.
I'm really happy to be back and I just want to make sure I have a strong season. It's important that I focus on my football and, most importantly, help the Club have a strong year.
In football you always go from year-to-year, even if you're at the same club, you're always proving yourself every year.
I'm 23 and I feel that every year is a new year and you have up move to the next level if you're going to compete and be where you want to be.
Every year is a new challenge, but I like that because it keeps you on your toes.
West Ham's Mauro Zarate suffered a hamstring injury in training and will be sidelined for around three weeks.
The Hammers will also be without suspended goalkeeper Adrian for the first time in 58 matches so Darren Randolph is set to deputise.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has no new injury concerns, with Harry Arter (groin) the only long-term absentee.
Shaun MacDonald has overcome a toe injury, while Sylvain Distin and Tyrone Mings await their debuts for the club.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "Bournemouth will hope to get on the board at the third time of asking after two narrow defeats in which they've played well and looked comfortable but ended up empty handed.
"They won't get as many chances this season in the Premier League as they had last year in the Championship so must be more ruthless when they do arrive.
"Slaven Bilic will look for a more assertive showing from West Ham after upsetting Arsenal only to then fail to cope with Leicester last week when the onus was more on them as the home team. "
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "On the one hand I expect a physical game, but on the other hand I saw the way Bournemouth are trying to pass the ball and their first idea is to pass the ball.
"They are very good and they play good football. They are not just passing in a tiki taka way and they are not just lumping it up, they are mixing it up.
"I watched both of Bournemouth's games and of course you could say that they deserved something from each of them. They weren't second-best in the first game against Villa and at Anfield the game was very even."
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "It's going to be a tough game at Upton Park, but it's one we are looking forward to.
"We saw West Ham's game against Leicester and we know they are a good side but we are upbeat going into this one. Our performances in the past two games have been good.
"Of course it's important that we start getting results on the board. Our changing room is full of winners - we didn't win the league last year by not having a winning attitude. So of course there is a frustration, but even stronger is a willingness to put it right."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I liked the way Bournemouth played against Liverpool but they did not carry much of a goal threat from open play and, as badly as they need to get a positive result at Upton Park, I cannot see it happening. Lawro's full predictions v comedian Jack Whitehall
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This is the first league meeting between West Ham and Bournemouth since April 1990 in the old Division Two.
The two sides last met in October 1999 in the League Cup, with West Ham winning 2-0 in a match that featured Eddie Howe in the Bournemouth starting line-up.
West Ham United
The Hammers have only won two of their last eight home games in the Premier League (W2, D2, L4).
Adrian's red card against Leicester means he will miss his first Premier League match since New Year's Day 2014, ending a run of 58 consecutive appearances.
Darren Randolph, a free transfer from Birmingham City, is in line to make his Premier League debut for the club. He conceded 12 goals in two games against Bournemouth in the Championship last season.
AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth have lost their opening two games and only one of the six newly-promoted sides to lose their opening three games of a Premier League season has gone on to avoid relegation - Southampton in 2012-13.
Callum Wilson has won 11 penalties since the start of last season, more than any other player. Swindon Town are the only club in the top four divisions to have earned more penalties in that time (14).
Andrew Surman has made the most passes in both of his Premier League appearances so far this season and his overall tally of 167 is the highest in the top flight.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Rob Green in limbo as talks with West Ham stall
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2015 By: Staff Writer
He was a firm favourite with the fans for nearly six years but Rob Green's chances of returning to West Ham are in the balance tonight, according to reports.
The 35-year-old stopper has been in talks with West Ham over a £1.5million return from Queens Park Rangers, the club he left Upton Park for in 2012, but an impasse is understood to have been reached over Green's wage demands.
The Mail claim tonight that Green is seeking around £50,000 per week in order to return to the Boleyn Ground, a similar wage to that which he currently commands at Loftus Road and considerably more than he earned during his previous spell in east London.
West Ham, who are not seeking a first choice goalkeeper due to Adrian's impressive form since moving from Real Betis a year ago are not prepared to spend such a large chunk of the allotted wage bill on a back-up - although Green is also said to be seeking some assurances with regards to playing first team football.
With the Spaniard set to sit out the first of three matches tomorrow following his dismissal in added-on time in last week's home defeat to Leicester, recent signing Darren Randolph is set to serve between the sticks.
And manager Slaven Bilic did his best to boost the Irish international's confidence today when speaking about Randolph's inclusion for the visit of Bournemouth. "I see absolutely no problems with him being in goal on Saturday," he said. "I am happy.
"Randy is a very experienced goalkeeper. He is very calm, he is confident. He knows we are backing him up and are there for him."
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic wary of Bournemouth backlash
Last Updated: 21/08/15 4:07pm
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is urging caution against Bournemouth this weekend
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is wary of a scorned Bournemouth side as his team prepare to face them this weekend.
Bilic has watched both of Bournemouth's opening Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Liverpool, each of which they lost 1-0.
Bournemouth's were beaten by a controversial Christian Benteke goal before the break in their most recent defeat, having started the match brightly.
West Ham, on the other hand, got off the mark in spectacular fashion as they won 2-0 at Arsenal on the opening day, before a 2-1 home defeat to Leicester last week.
Although Bournemouth are still waiting for their first points, Bilic is adamant that doesn't mean they won't test his side.
The Croatian said: "I watched both games and of course you can say they deserved something from each one of them.
"They weren't second best in the first game against Villa and at Anfield the game was very even.
"Okay, Liverpool had better chances, they scored a goal, they hit the bar, had a couple of blocked shots, but in open play it was Bournemouth for me. They were a bit unlucky.
"I expect a very dynamic game. I expect a physical game but also, on the other hand, I saw the way they are passing the ball. Their first idea is always to pass the ball.
"They play good football. They are mixing it, but every time they get a chance to pass they pass it. It's a very good team."
West Ham v Bournemouth preview: Cherries looking for first points
Last Updated: 21/08/15 11:53pm
Bournemouth head to Upton Park in search of their first Premier Leaguepoints
West Ham and Bournemouth meet in the league for the first time in more than 25 years as both sides look to recover from defeats on the second weekend of the season.
The Hammers' last league meeting with the Cherries - a Division Two clash at Upton Park in April 1990 - ended in a comprehensive 4-1 victory, and they'll be looking for a similar result as they look to bounce back from last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Leicester.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will be hoping to finally get some points on the board after two defeats from their opening two games.
Just a reminder that you have until 1.30pm to enter your team into the Predictor League. Even if you haven't done it for the first two games, come on, have a go!!
There are likely to be three changes to the team which started against Leicester last Saturday. As we all know, Adrian will miss today's game and also the next two. Despite rumours that Rob Green might be returning in a swap deal with Darren Randolph, that hasn't happened and Randolph will make his Premier League debut. He will know what responsibility lies on his shoulders and will be very nervous, I should imagine, especially since he conceded 12 goals against Bournemouth in two games last season. I hope the crowd gives him some support.
Reece Oxford apparently has a niggle but even if he didn't I suspect Pedro Obiang would be selected over him due to his magnificent performance in the second half against Leicester. I'm really looking forward to seeing a lot more of this young man. He made a real impression.
Finally, Mauro Zarate has picked up an injury at just the wrong time. He's made an impressive start to this season and would have been looking to cement his place in the team, but he reported on twitter earlier in the week that he'd now have to miss the Bournemouth and Liverpool games.
Bournemouth have been very unlucky in their first two games. They lost both by one goal to nil, but could easily have won both. They played well. The worst thing we could do would be to underestimate them. I'm sure we won't.
Just a personal note. If you're in Ken's Cafe between 12.30 and 2pm I'll be hosting five Americans who have come to see today's game. One of them is the young nephew of my best friend Daniel Forrester, who I introduced to the delights of Upton Park in 1994. His name is Jake and he has cystic fibrosis. The Make a Wish Foundation have paid for him and his family to come over to England and last Saturday they were hosted by Tottenham. I then got them tickets for Reading v Leeds and Leyton Orient v Stevenage this week. And today Jake and his family are coming to West Ham. He and his father are being hosted by the club and will have have some pictures taken with a couple of players before the match on the pitch. I'm really grateful to the club for arranging this, as I am sure it will be the highlight of his week. Far better than being at White Hart Lane. I hope I can persuade Jake and his Dad to write up their week for the blog next week.
OPPOSITION Q&A: THE CHERRIES By Sean Whetstone 21 Aug 2015 at 17:00 300 comments
This week I spoke to Peter Bell from Premier League newcomers AFC Bournemouth who runs a blog called Cherry Chimes
How do you rate West Ham's new manager Slaven Bilic and how will he get on in the Premier League? It's early days. I'm a little unsure to be honest how well he will go. While he has shown great tactics in leading Croatia and has done well at Besiktas the Premier League is hard as Bournemouth themselves are finding out. As long as he can keep the West Ham fans off his back then he'll have a chance of putting his print on the team, but if things start to go against him in terms of results, then pressure will only mount on him with the importance of this season with the need to be in the Premier League with the new stadium. I'm interested to see how he copes with the pressure.
What league position can West Ham achieve this season under Bilic? I think that is may be a question you are better asking West Ham fans. Still, the team has been strengthened and if things do click for Slaven Bilic then I can see West Ham getting to about 10-12th. I think other teams are also improving though like Stoke, Swansea and Crystal Palace so it is going to be tough to get above 12th this season.
Eddie Howe was frequently linked with the West Ham job before Bilic's appointment. How do you rate him and do you see him moving on to bigger and better things? Eddie is AFC Bournemouth through and through. I am not surprised that he was linked with bigger teams but this summer was not the right time for him to leave. He wants to achieve more things with the Cherries and when it has gone so well for him at Dean Court and he has an owner and chairman that back him to the hilt he has all he needs for the moment. He is getting Premier League experience and he is managing the club he loves with the players he has coached for several years in some cases. The bond with Eddie and Jason Tindall with the club is very strong. If at the end of next season a top half Premier League club came in for him he might consider it but we know where his heart is and I can imagine him waiting for the right club at the right time which may not be for a few seasons yet if AFC Bournemouth manage to establish themselves in the top flight. How do I rate him – perfect for AFCBournemouth!
How do you think Bournemouth will fare in the Premier League this season? What league position can they realistically finish? We have no surprise in finding that it is going to be tricky to pick up points. The gap between the Championship and Premier League is great but the club has a very steady manager that will find solutions when the team is under pressure and I believe most Bournemouth fans are confident of avoiding relegation, unlike the majority of pundits. While it looks like we'll have a slow start I believe that when the wins start to come they will start to build up as this is a team that knows how to make unbeaten runs and win away from home. My prediction is a 14th placed finish.
Which three teams do you tip for relegation this season? Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your team who would you choose? I'd say Aaron Creswell from your current team as he was one of the best players last year. We have only just brought in Tyrone Mings though so we probably have not got need of another left back. Diafra Sakho of course would be an obvious choice as a goalscorer, but I'm happy with our squad.
What is your favourite West Ham player of all time? Ian Bishop, as he also played for AFC Bournemouth and was my favourite player when Harry Redknapp managed the Cherries in the 1980s. I used to rush to get a place in the stands where I could get view of him on the wing and while he did not score a shed load of goals he was always beating his man and providing crosses for others to score.
Who is the Bournemouth player to watch out for? Which Bournemouth player should will include in our Fantasy dream team? Matt Ritchie is probably the player that will get noticed the most by fans who don't know much about AFC Bournemouth. Apart from his striking hair cuts and small stature, he always shoots when he is anywhere near goal, and he has that ability to drift into a space effortlessly which enables him to get into scoring positions on a regular basis. He may not be the best defensively, but he always puts a shift in. he's a fabulous player.
West Ham fans were looking forward to a nice sunny away weekend in Bournemouth by the seaside but instead we got a cold Tuesday night in January when we play you in the return leg. What is the likely allocation for away tickets for West Ham? I am told our allocation could be 1,000 or less. How many tickets were Aston Villa allocated for the first game of the season? It would probably only be raining on a Saturday anyway! Ha, ha. You'll get 1500 tickets I expect. That is about what Aston Villa will have received. Dean Court holds 11,700 and there are about 7000 season ticket holders. Another 2000 seats are generally on sale to home fans for each game.
How do you expect Bournemouth to setup against West Ham on Saturday/ Team/formation prediction? Having seen a couple of changes in the previous match against Liverpool that worked fairly well I expect the starting XI to remain the same if there are no injuries.
West Ham & Bournemouth have only played each other three times in our combined history with two wins for the Hammers in 1990 and 1999 and one draw in the old second division. What is your score prediction for Saturday? My boss is a West Ham fan so if we lose I'll get reminded all week and if we win I'll get the rotten jobs. Still, we need the points so I'm going for a shock 0-1 away win!
Leroy Rosenior believes David Sullivan will be regretting his Charlie Austin comments declaring: "He'd have been better off simply leaving it at the fact we can't afford the £15 million!"
And the popular former Iron said: "I have to say I as pretty amazed when I read the remarks. There's nothing wrong in saying he's too expensive and you can get away with explaining he's had a failed medical.
"But the rest of it was all a bit questionable and it's really no surprise there's been a row break out over it."
Leroy's own playing days ended in his late 20s with a degenerative knee injury and he played in pain for much of his career with the final five years being "absolute agony".
He said: "I don't think anybody outside of a few will know about any injury problems to particular players, and it's really best not to go there if there's any uncertainty.
"David is known as a man who says what he thinks. But I reckon if he could go back he wouldn't go near the subject again. It's all best forgotten I think."
West Ham are hoping their striker "crisis" will be solved by the middle of next week.
Chairman's son and prolific tweeter, Jack Sullivan – who was clearly in a feisty mood following his elder brother and Dad David's appearance on a controversial podcast this week – has dropped a heavy hint the issue is now close to closure.
Addressing the issue that is exercising everybody's mind right now, the teenager tweeted: "Transfer update -We hope to resolve our striker crisis by the middle of next week."
Jack is clearly very much up for things at the moment despite the uproar caused on the podcast, which led to a war of words between his Dad and Charlie Austin.
If nothing else, he's a real chip off the old block!
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