Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between West Ham United and Bournemouth.

It's been a long time coming but finally, West Ham play their first Premier League fixture inside their new stadium. They have already experienced a friendly and Europa League action at the London Stadium but this is the game that all Hammers supporters have been anticipating for some time. They will hope to start top-flight life in Stratford in fairytale fashion but Bournemouth will relish the opportunity to be party poopers having made the trip to the capital.

UPDATE! Before we crack on with the team news, let me point you in the direction of the live commentary that we have on the go. It's Sunderland against Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light and things have just gotten a little more interesting. Keep up-to-date with the action by clicking here.

Anyway, without further ado, let's turn our attention to the team news. You won't be surprised to hear that one big name misses out for the Hammers...

WEST HAM UNITED XI: Adrian, Byram, Collins, Reid, Masuaku; Nordtveit, Noble, Kouyate; Tore, Antonio, Valencia

WEST HAM UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Randolph, Ogbonna, Burke, Oxford, Obiang, Fletcher, Calleri

BOURNEMOUTH XI: Boruc, Francis, Cook, A.Smith, Daniels, Surman, Arter, Fraser, Ibe, King, Wilson

BOURNEMOUTH SUBSTITUTES: Federici, B.Smith, Ake, Gosling, Gradel, Afobe, Grabban

As was reported earlier today, Andy Carroll misses out for West Ham today having suffered a knee injury that is likely to keep him out between four to six weeks. However, he's not the only star name to be sidelined for this match with Dimitri Payet also not featuring in the 18-man squad. It's being said that he has picked up a knock. Enner Valencia will lead the line for Slaven Bilic's men, with new signing Jonathan Calleri only earning a place on the bench.

As for Bournemouth, Eddie Howe has made one alteration to the team that started the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend. Ryan Fraser, who played for Ipswich Town on loan last season, has been drafted into the team to replace the injured Lewis Cook, who hurt his ankle in training yesterday. Callum Wilson leads the line with Benik Afobe having to make do with a place on the bench.

RESULT! The first Premier League result of the afternoon is in and Middlesbrough have held on to register a 2-1 victory away at North-East rivals Sunderland. It continues Aitor Karanka's unbeaten start to the season while leaving David Moyes waiting for his first point as Black Cats boss for a little while longer. Read our match report here.

TABLE! That win for Middlesbrough has taken them up to fifth position in the Premier League table and it also means that both West Ham and Bournemouth can move up to no higher than eighth position with victory this afternoon.

HEAD TO HEAD! Due to the time that Bournemouth have spent in the lower leagues, this is just the eighth time that the two teams have met in a competitive match, with West Ham winning four times in comparison to Bournemouth's one success. We will get onto that particular win in just a few minutes...

Coincidentally, it has been almost a year to the day since these two teams last met on West Ham territory but the Hammers will be hoping they enjoy a change in fortunes this afternoon. Twelve months ago, Bournemouth prevailed by the odd goal in seven as Callum Wilson announced himself onto the top-flight scene with a hat-trick. Take a look back at that fixture by clicking here.

As we have already touched upon, Carroll is absent from the West Ham frontline this afternoon in what is another blow to the injury-plagued striker. The target man had played well against Chelsea on Monday night, despite allegedly taking the knock in question into that game. There's a debate to be had why the England international was risked against Astra in the Europa League but the damage has already been done and the club are going to have to score their goals from other areas of the pitch.

This the scene inside the London Stadium. The sun is out and seats are starting to be filled so all is good.

We see you @Obiang14 👀

Head to @instagram story to see more ➡️https://t.co/hYhlZb4TdU pic.twitter.com/o4FnsFA7iP — West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) 21 August 2016

While Bournemouth slipped to defeat last weekend, Eddie Howe has stressed this week that he is happy with the squad that he has put together on the South Coast and we have to agree with him. You only have to look at the substitutes' bench to see the calibre of players that Howe has in reserve and it's a significant upgrade from 12 months ago. That said, he needs to ensure that everyone is firing on the pitch and while there may be concern over their performance at the back last weekend, there are no such worries in attack.

PREDICTION! While they have been troubled by injuries, we are going to plump for a West Ham this afternoon. We expect Bournemouth to pose a threat through the pace they possess in attack but we are backing the Hammers to win 2-1 and more specifically, Calleri to net a winner on his debut.

Looks like no-one wants to miss West Ham's big day...

We're going to smash our attendance record for the 3rd time in 3 weeks today. Thank you for your support! ⚒ #WHUBOU pic.twitter.com/R3wSKVi8N5 — West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) 21 August 2016

Feels a bit weird listening to "Forever blowing bubbles" in a different setting. The two teams are out on the pitch at the London Stadium and we are going to be getting started very shortly.

Bournemouth get us underway.

It has been a decent start from Bournemouth, who have had all of the possession during the early stage. They had an chance to whip the ball into the box from the left but the delivery was disappointing.

West Ham haven't really got going at all yet. Despite having a man extra in midfield, it is Bournemouth who are keeping hold of the ball with ease before attempting to involve the likes of Ibe and Wilson in the play. Still no shots from either team.

SHOT! Better from West Ham who break down the left with Antonio. The ball eventually finds Tore at the back post and at the second attempt, he curls a left-footed strike over the crossbar.

Considering the pace that they have in the final third, West Ham are being very patient. That's probably more down to Bournemouth sitting deep more than anything but so far, they aren't trying to use the speed of Antonio, Tore and Valencia.

There are a few naughty challenges going in now from both sides. We perhaps need a bit of needle to ignite this game before it has been very pedestrian so far. There's not much of an atmosphere inside the London Stadium but in all fairness, they have witnessed nothing to get them on their feet.

Ibe should relish the chance to use his pace down the wings this afternoon but up until now, he has been quiet. On this occasion, he got past Masuaku before sending a low cross into the six-yard box but it was well claimed by Adrian.

A foul on Noble gave West Ham a free kick around 40 yards from goal but this is where the absence of Payet really hurts the Hammers. The attempted ball into the box from Tore was shocking and Bournemouth cleared with ease.

After a raking ball finds Tore on the right flank, the winger moves inside and draws the foul out of the defender to earn a set piece from just over 20 yards. This is a chance...

Maybe not. Like his effort a few minutes ago, Tore kicks it straight into the wall. It wasn't at all close to clearing the defenders. I wouldn't expect him to remain on set-piece duty from now on.

West Ham have got the ball into the box a few times over the past few minutes but so far, Bournemouth's defending is resolute. Francis and Cook looked outclassed last weekend but they are coping easily with Valencia and co.

We are through the half-hour mark at the London Stadium and this has probably been the least eventful 30 minutes of the season so far. Is West Ham's hectic schedule already catching up with them or have Bournemouth got their tactics spot on?

BOOKING! That's harsh on Arter. Kouyate crosses the ball towards the Bournemouth players' face and he handles the ball to protect himself. Unfortunately, the assistant has deemed that deliberate handball and he has gone into the book!

SHOT! Kouyate's shot comes nowhere near to finding the net but we are including it as a chance such has been the lack of opportunities in this match. A cross from Tore was headed clear into the path of the midfield, but his half-volley was sent a few yards over the bar from outside the box.

BOOKING! This offence definitely warranted a booking. Cook attempts to stop a break-away with a rash challenge but even though the attack continued, he is handed a yellow card when the play comes to a halt.

BOOKING! Three yellow cards in five minutes. Things are hotting up! This one is deserved too and it goes to Byram, who avoids a booking with his first challenge but is cautioned on his second.

SHOT! We have a shot on target! it comes from Valencia who uses his pace to get past the Bournemouth defence but his effort towards the near post is punched clear by Boruc.

Bournemouth win a corner on the left flank but Fraser's delivery is over-hit and goes straight out for a goal kick. Howe does not look amused...

There will be two minutes of added-on time. Seems a bit harsh on the people who have had to watch this match.

BOOKING! Reid is the next man into the book for complaining to the assistant about a corner given to Bournemouth. In all fairness, he seemed to have a case.

The half-time whistle goes at the London Stadium and to cut a long story short, it has been a poor game. There's plenty of huffing and puffing a distinct lack of quality. West Ham look a different side without the likes of Payet and Carroll. Bilic has work to do at the break.

The two teams are back out onto the pitch at the London Stadium. Keep your fingers crossed for a better second half!

West Ham get us back underway.

Fish and Chips sets you back a pricey £8.50 at the London Stadium but given the amount of empty sets, I think a few supporters are still enjoying them. Maybe they went for the fish cake at £7.20.

SHOT! Howe must have gotten into his players at half time because they have started this second period on the front foot. A driving run from Smith ends with the full-back getting a driven effort on goal but Adrian does well to gather down to his left.

What on earth is Ibe playing at?! King plays in the former Liverpool winger and surely he has to shoot from 12 yards. Instead, he tries to pass to Wilson and the chance is gone. Howe has his head in his hands and I'm not surprised.

SHOT! Bournemouth are well on top now and they have just come within a whisker of taking the lead. King has barely featured in this match but after receiving the ball 25 yards out, he unleashed a stunning strike that had to be tipped over the crossbar by Adrian. Full credit to the goalkeeper there.

It can't be long before Bilic considers making a chance. Calleri seems the obvious choice but West Ham supporters must want to get a look at Ashley Fletcher. They are yet to threaten in the final third this half.

CHANCE! It's been a much-improved period of play for West Ham and they almost find an opening goal. A cross to the back post from Antonio finds Tore but the Turkish winger's first-time volley is sent into the side-netting.

SUBSTITUTION! It's time for West Ham's first alteration and it's Calleri coming on for Valencia, who has taken a good 45 seconds to walk off the pitch and is getting jeered! Interesting...

SHOT! Ibe seems to have learned his lesson about when to take a shot and when to pass. He moves into the centre to get a shot away from 20 yards but his effort is well saved by Adrian.

I may have spoke too soon. Ibe is over a set piece and he attempts to cross the ball into the penalty area. Instead, it clears the bar by at least 10 yard and Howe's face is a picture. Don't be surprised to see the winger get substituted soon.

We are well into the final 20 minutes at the London Stadium and we have come no closer to an opening goal. Lewis Grabban looks like he is being readied by Howe.

SUBSTITUTION! Yep - here comes Grabban and rather surprisingly, it is in place of Wilson.

RED CARD! Bournemouth have been reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes remaining. Arter's first yellow card was harsh but this one was needless. he attempted to stop a counter-attack but cynically pulled back Antonio. Ake has been brought on to replace Ibe.

SUBSTITUTION! Bilic has decided to go for the three points. Off comes Nordtveit and on comes Fletcher. This could be an interesting last 10 minutes.

West Ham have the breakthrough! It's a terrific goal too. Tore's deliveries have been questionable to say the least but he finally finds the perfect cross for Antonio at the back post, who has the simple task of heading the ball into the net from five yards.

SUBSTITUTION! It's the end of the afternoon for Tore who has been replaced by Obiang. Bilic has no need to keep pushing men forward now so it's a smart move.

BOOKING! I'm not sure what it was for but Obiang has gone into the book within seconds of coming on! There will be four minutes of added-on time.

SAVE! King has had a decent game for Bournemouth and he almost nets a dramatic equaliser. After a long throw, the ball fell at his feet and after one touch to control, he volleyed towards goal only to see Adrian pull off a tremendous save.

The full-time whistle goes at the London Stadium and West Ham have held on to secure a 1-0 win over Bournemouth. Calleri almost marked his Premier League debut with a goal with the final kick of the game but overall, Bilic will be relieved that his team are off the mark for the season.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this afternoon and we hope that you can stick around for our La Liga coverage which is starting in 15 minutes time. Goodbye for now.