Mark Lawrenson backed Bournemouth to beat West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, when writing his regular prediction column for BBC Sport.

The Hammers head into the clash with the Cherries in fine form in the league. Their Carabao Cup defeat to Oxford United last night could very halt their momentum, however.

Eddie Howe's side also crashed out of the League Cup to lower league opposition.

Both sides made a whole host of changes to their starting XI's, however.

West Ham have not beaten Bournemouth away since January 2016, and the south coast outfit will represent a real test for Manuel Pellegrini's side on Saturday.

The Hammers currently sit in fifth spot in the Premier League table, one point and one place ahead of the Cherries.

And Mark Lawrenson is backing Howe's side to climb above Pellegrini's men on Saturday.

He told BBC Sport:

Both of these teams lost to lower-division opponents in the Carabao Cup in midweek. For a better indication of their form, look at how they did in the Premier League last weekend. Both teams managed impressive victories, with the Cherries getting a really good win at Southampton and West Ham seeing off Manchester United. Eddie Howe's side are playing well and have got home advantage, so I am backing them to come out on top, just.

Lawro's prediction: 2-1

West Ham will be desperate to banish the memories of last night's defeat to Oxford as soon as possible. And a win against Bournemouth would really get the Hammers back on track.

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