The London Stadium plays host to a high-stakes Premier League encounter today, 21 February 2026, as West Ham United welcome AFC Bournemouth for a Matchweek 27 clash. While the Cherries arrive in the capital as one of the league’s surging sides, the Hammers are fighting a desperate battle for top-flight survival.
Match Details
- Date: 21 February 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 GMT (12:30 ET)
- Venue: London Stadium, London
- Broadcast (Canada): Fubo TV
The Relegation Battle vs. Mid-Table Surge
West Ham United enter this fixture in a precarious 18th position with 24 points. Despite their lowly standing, there is a sense of cautious optimism in East London; the Hammers have shown “red-hot” form recently in their quest for survival, including a gritty draw against Manchester United. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, with the side conceding an average of 2.08 goals per home match this season.
In contrast, AFC Bournemouth sit comfortably in 9th place. The Cherries are unbeaten in their last five outings (3 wins, 2 draws) and have found the net in every one of those matches. Bookmakers currently edge toward the visitors, giving Bournemouth a 38.5% win probability, though West Ham’s desperation often makes them a dangerous opponent at home.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, this fixture has been remarkably balanced, with a recent trend toward stalemates. The last three meetings between these two clubs have ended in draws. Overall, the Premier League record stands as follows:
| Stat | West Ham United | AFC Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 8 | 5 |
| Draws | 8 | |
| Avg Goals/Match | 3.38 | |
Key Players to Watch
The match features a fascinating tactical battle between established stars and rising talents:
- West Ham: Jarrod Bowen remains the primary attacking threat for the Hammers, while Alphonse Areola will need a standout performance in goal to stem Bournemouth’s high-scoring frontline.
- Bournemouth: Eli Junior Kroupi has been a revelation for the Cherries, supported by the defensive stability of Marcos Senesi and the creative spark of Alex Scott.
Expert Predictions
Analyst opinions are split for this Saturday evening kickoff. While some “Supercomputer” models still list West Ham as relegation favourites, local pundits suggest the Hammers’ home advantage and survival instinct could lead to a 2-1 victory. Conversely, many betting experts are leaning toward a 1-1 or 2-2 draw, noting that five of the last six encounters between these sides have failed to produce a winner.
For Canadian viewers, the match is available via Fubo TV, with coverage beginning shortly before the 12:30 ET kickoff.