West Ham players gather around new-signing Andre Ayew (sitting) after the forward suffered a thigh injury in their match against Chelsea. (Photo : Getty Images)
Europa League qualifier West Ham United FC (0-1-0, 0 points) will take on fellow winless squad AFC Bournemouth (0-1-0, 0 points) in a 2016-2017 Premier League season Week 2 affair to be held at the London Stadium on August 21, Sunday.
West Ham, who finished last season at the seventh spot of the English top flight table, was turned back by title-favorites Chelsea FC, 1-2, at the Stamford Bridge on Monday to open the term on a whimper, ESPN reported.
The Hammers managed to hold the former champions to a goalless draw at the end of the first half, but ex-Player of the Year awardee Eden Hazard broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart with a penalty kick off a Michail Antonio foul on Blues defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chelsea dominated the entire game with their relentless attacks but head coach Slaven Bilić's side still netted an equalizer at the 77th, courtesy of Welsh defender James Collins.
The game looked headed to a welcome draw for West Ham, but Blues striker Diego Costa netted the winner with one minute remaining to snatch the three points away from the visitors.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth also opened their season with a loss as they were crushed by a new and improved Manchester United XI, 1-3, at their home ground of Vitality Stadium last Sunday, as per the Mirror.
It was a one-sided contest from the beginning as the Red Devils imposed their evident roster advantage with big names Zlatan Ibrahimović, Wayne Rooney, and Anthony Martial controlling the tempo.
However, it was midfielder Juan Mata who opened the scoring at 40th before Rooney and Ibrahimović netted one goal apiece at the 59th and 64th to make it a 3-0 game for United.
The Cherries found a consolation goal at the 69th with an impressive shot from defender Adam Smith, but it was all too late for head coach Eddie Howe's squad to make any difference in the result.
The predicted result is a 2-1 decision for West Ham.
West Ham starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Adrian; Antonio, Collins, Reid, Masuaku; Kouyate, Nordtveit, Noble; Sakho, Carroll, Valencia
Bournemouth starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Boruc; Smith, Francis, S. Cook, Daniels; L. Cook, Surman, Arter; Ibe, Wilson, King
