PREM: West Ham v Bournemouth preview

West Ham v Bournemouth preview

Bournemouth's club-record signing Jefferson Lerma could be set for his debut against West Ham on Saturday.

The Colombia midfielder joined the Cherries in a £25m deal from Levante this summer but did not feature in the 2-0 win over Cardiff last weekend.

However, he looks set to be available as Bournemouth travel to London Stadium.

"He's coming along well," said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe. "He's had a good week in training.

"The thing we've got to remember is that he's had minimal training after the World Cup, but his performance and endurance levels are getting better with each training session. He's getting closer."

While Bournemouth started the season on a positive note, West Ham were beaten 4-0 at Liverpool.

Six of West Ham's nine summer signings featured in the game at Anfield, but Lucas Perez and Carlos Sanchez did not play after joining on Deadline Day.

Asked whether the pair could play against Bournemouth, Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "I cannot tell you now. Carlos arrived on the last day. He has worked just one week with us.

"Lucas Perez is similar. We will see if they are at least able to come to the bench but I cannot answer that question."

West Ham are only missing long-term absentees Andy Carroll, Winston Reid and Manuel Lanzini.

Bournemouth also have no fresh injury problems.

Defender Diego Rico, who joined from Leganes, is in the middle of a three-game suspension after picking up a red card in his final La Liga match last season. Junior Stanislas (knee) remains sidelined and midfielder Kyle Taylor continues his recovery from a muscular problem.