West Ham

Saturday 19th November

Coventry v West Ham United

Second top West Ham travel to second bottom Coventry tomorrow as the Championship returns from taking a break last weekend due to the International break.

Coventry have endured a torrid season thus far and find themselves just one place off the bottom of the Championship. Doncaster are the only team who sit below the Sky Blue’s at the moment but they have the same number of points so it’s obvious that results need to improve otherwise Andy Thorn will soon be out a job. Their last match was a 4-2 home defeat by league leaders Southampton. The only crumb of comfort they can take from that was they came back from two goals down to level the match, only to lose two late goals. It means that they have not won any of their last five matches – their last win was in the middle of September. At home they have won just two of their seven matches to date, losing three of them. Attendances have been plummeting over the years at the Ricoh Arena and they don’t show any sign of stopping as crowds slip to just over 10,000.

West Ham have adapted to life in the Championship pretty well as the only have one team above them heading into the winter. Sam Allardyce has bought very smartly in his quest to return the Hammers to England’s top flight. The likes of Matt Taylor, Kevin Nolan and John Carew were all playing in the Premier League last season so there experience and quality have been essential. Arguably, however, the most exciting signing thus far has been Sam Baldock from MK Dons who has bagged five goals from his first nine league games. Baldock notched his fifth of the season last time out against Hull in an impressive 2-0 victory at the KC Stadium. It was West Ham’s fifth away win from eight games having just lost once, incidentally against the current league leaders. Allardyce has shored things up at the back and employed plenty of attacking threat which has struck a very effective balance, especially away from home.

Coventry will be hoping that their more experienced players come to the fore and turn in a performance tomorrow. Gary McSheffery is one such player who has simply disappointed this term. A player of his calibre should have more than one goal by this stage but it’s just further proof of how much the club as a whole have been struggling. It’s fallen up on a less experienced player to get the goals with top scorer Lukaz Jutkiewicz the only player in the squad to have hit more than one goal in the league all season. It’s clear what has to change if they have any desire to climb the league in the short term.

West Ham will be hoping to close the gap at the top but know that if they do drop points, there are several teams waiting to take advantage as the challenge for the automatic promotion spots hot up. The squad they have at their disposable may well prove vital come the end of the season as the likes of Henri Lansbury, David Bentley and Papa Bouba Diop have not yet hit top gear. Another shrewd signing has been the loan deal which brought Manuel Almunia to Upton Park. The Arsenal goalkeeper has yet to taste defeat at his new club and was outstanding in the win over Hull.

I’m confident that West Ham will be raring to go after the week’s break whilst Coventry, in my opinion, are on a very slippery slope at the moment so I think the away team will be taking maximum points back home with them tomorrow evening.

My Selection: West Ham to beat Coventry

Best odds available: 4/5 available with William Hill

English League One

Sheffield United v Carlisle

A resurgent Carlisle travel to Yorkshire to take on Sheffield United as both sides look for the points in their quest from promotion to the Championship.

Danny Wilson who took over the job as manager in the summer is not having it all his own way as he did earlier in the season. Sheffield United were roundabout the top two for much of the early part of the season but recently they are slipping down the table. They are still in a healthy enough position but will be hoping to climb the table again and challenge for the automatic promotion spots which their supporters will be expecitng, especially as rivals Wedensday are also performing well at the moment. Although they are not quite in the same vein of form they were in earlier in the campaign they have only one league game in their last seven. Their home form is decent with five wins and just two defeats from nine matches. Their last home match in the league was a 4-4 thriller with Exeter. It was an entertaining match for the neutral but Wilson will be determined to shore things up at the back.

Carlisle had been on a run of five defeats from six matches in September but they are coming strong now with just one loss from their last nine games in all competitions. Greg Abbott celebrated his third year in charge this month and he can look back on what he has done with some amount of pride. He led his side to Wembley two years in a row and after losing heavily the first time around, they won the Football League Trophy in March with a 1-0 win over Exeter. Despite their slow start this season they are looking like they can mount a challenge for a play-off position. Currently 10th, they are only three points off of sixth place so are definitely one of several clubs in the mix as the season begins to hot up.

Sheffield United brushed aside Oxford United at home in the FA Cup last Saturday scoring three and keeping a clean sheet. It would have been the perfect tonic heading into this match against a team in form. Brammall Lane has definitely been one of the most entertaining grounds on matchdays this term as there have been 34 goals scored in just nine matches. It’s easily the most out of all the League One clubs so it will be no surprise if there are a few goals for the fans tomorrow.

Carlisle have won four and lost just two games on their travels this season so will be heading to Sheffield tomorrow knowing they have a chance against their more illustrious opponents. Like the Blades, the Cumbrians enjoyed a comfortable cup victory last weekend and being on the run they are currently on, will be confident they can cause a shock and go level on points with tomorrow’s opponents.

I can see this match being very open tomorrow and there could be several goals as both sides like to get the ball forward quickly and each have strikers bang in form. Carlisle have a good away record but they have not played many of the better sides thus far. One side they have played who are above them was league leaders Charlton who were far too good and ended up thrashing them 4-0. With that in mind, seeing as Sheffield United have been strong against the lesser lights of League One at home, I am siding with the home side.

My Selection: Sheffield United to beat Carlisle

Best odds available: 19/20 available with William Hill

Scottish Cup

For my third preview this weekend, rather than selecting one team, I am going to suggest a treble as the Scottish First division clubs enter the cup for the first time this season.

Ayr v Montrose

Firstly, my local town club host third division Montrose so will be hot favourites to turn over a side who sit two tiers below them. Ayr are no stranger to cup runs and have already made the semi-final’s of the other cup competition having put out SPL sides Hearts, Inverness and St Mirren. Montrose on the other hand are one of the worst sides in the Scottish Football professional set up. The club are thrid bottom of the third division and have won just four of their 12 league matches. They were 4-0 down last weekend only to come back and draw 4-4 with Stranraer. The main reason for their comeback was the fact their opponents goalkeeper got sent off and they never had a replacement on the bench.

Ayr are not the greatest by any stretch but they should prove far too strong here and are certainly one of the few clubs who target the cup competitions as it provides much needed income.

Ayr are a best priced 4/11 available with William Hill

Bo’ness United v Cowdenbeath

One of three Junior sides left in the competition, Bo’ness, host Division two leaders Cowdenbeath hoping to cause a shock and take their place in the draw for the next round when the SPL teams enter it. Bo’ness playing their league games in the East of Scotland Premier League and are certainly one of the better sides at the at level. This is a big step up though and they will need to raise their game in order to get a result against their league opponents. Cowdenbeath done us a turn last weekend when winning the top of the table clash against Stenhousemuir and although their away form is not as strong as their form on the road, they go into this match as heavy favourites.

Bo’ness are on a bad run of form and have won just one of their five league matches this season. They are currently sitting third bottom so would have been hoping for a better preparation as they head into one of their biggest matches in their history.

League form can often count for little in cup compeitions but when there is also a gulf in class between the two sides, it’s harder to ignore. Hopefully Cowden can oblige for us again this week.

Cowdenbeath are best priced 4/7 available with William Hill

Irvine Meadow v Livingston

The third leg of our treble also see’s a Junior side take on league opposition. Irvine Meadow, who qualified after winning the West Superleague, host First division Livingston at Meadow Park. The Ayrshire club have a big repuation in Junior circles because they were once able to offer a lot more to players than teams in the professional game. That financial clout has gone but they remain successful and lost their first match of the season last Saturday. Livingston are placed higher on the pyramid than Cowdenbeath so the challenge for Meadow is even greater despite being in better form. Livi sit third in the table at the moment and have lost just two league games although they have drawn seven of those.

The task Meadow face is a stiff one because Livingston are a full time professional club so their players do this for a living whilst the junior’s will also have their main occupation as well as playing football at the weekend. This can often be the decisive factor as fitness can tell in these sort of matches.

With than in mind, the away win is added to Cowdenbeath and Ayr to complete our cup treble.

Livingston are a best priced 4/11 available with William Hill

Good Luck

Saturday 20th August

English Premier League

Everton v QPR

Everton’s start to the season was delayed due to the riots in London whilst QPR would have been wishing for such a circumstance as they crashed 4-0 at home to Bolton last Saturday. The two sides go head to head in the hunt for their first points of the campaign.

Goodison Park has probably been the quietest of grounds in the Premier League when it comes to transfer business in the close season. There has been virtually no movement either in or out of Everton since the end of last season. The most pleasing thing for manager Davie Moyes will have been that, to date, the club have managed to be keep hold of their star players including Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Mikel Arteta. There is, of course, still time between now and the close of the window but it’s doubtful that Everton would sell with so little time left to reinvest the funds gained from the sale in replacements. The Toffee’s finished seventh last term, just four points off their city neighbours Liverpool. A repeat of that finish would surely be considered a success for the fans, management and players. Heading into tomorrow’s game they will be hoping that they can get off to a better start than what they did last season. They had to wait until October, a run of seven games, before recording their first win. The slow start is what killed them in their quest for a European spot so Moyes and his players will be under no illusions as to how important getting that first win on the board really is.

QPR were torn apart by Bolton in the second half last Saturday despite starting the game quite brightly. A Gary Cahill goal just before the break knocked the stuffing out of last season’s Championship winners but they will have to learn quick that the Premier League is not only a tough league physically, it’s also extremely draining mentally as well. Since that defeat, the club have been bought over which, for Neil Warnock’s sake, will hopefully mean that more transfer funds become available to sign the players they desperately need. A bid for Scott Parker has been rejected by West Ham but it does signal some sort of intent on Rangers’ part. What Warnock will have to avoid is another trouncing tomorrow as it will not only drain the players of confidence and motivation, but also make it more difficult for he himself to avoid suffering as a consequence. With a new owner on board, it doesn’t take much for them to throw their weight about and start looking for their own people.

Everton are normally strong at home and will look to use that form from the off tomorrow. They have not lost at home this year which bodes well. However, they are notoriously slow starters and they usually perform better when they are underdogs. They will be expected to go for it from the first whistle against a newly promoted side and there is cause for thinking that it may well play into QPR’s hands. Warnock will be looking to hit on the counter attack and with a new air of optimism surrounding the Hoops, I can see this being an entertaining game.

Everton with Louis Saha and Tim Cahill will always be a threat whilst QPR have plenty of options going forward and were a tad unlucky to to score in the first half last Saturday. Two bets I fancy are both teams to score and for their to be more than two goals in the game.

My Selection: Both teams to Score at a best priced EVENS with Skybet
            Over 2.5 goals at a best priced 5/6 available with Victor Chandler

English Championship

Derby County v Doncaster Rovers

Derby have surprised many with their 100% start to the new season whilst Doncaster too have a 100% start to their season – unfortunately for them however, it’s 100% of losses as they have failed to grab a point from their first three matches.

Nigel Clough is now into his third season in charge of County and know’s that time is fast running out for him to convince the fans and the board that the can lead Derby back into the Premier League. They’re a massive club with an excellent stadium but have done nothing of note fore over four years. Their fans will be bouyed by the start to the season but will also be well aware that it is just the start, there is still over 40 games to go. Their most recent win, a 1-0 over Blackpool, is their most impressive to date as they too had a 100% record going into the match. They looked resolute and determined from the outset and come the end of the season, I can’t see too many teams going to Bloomfield Road and leaving with all three points. Craig Bryson got the winner in the second half of the season and his signing has brought energy and drive to what was a pedestrian midfield at times last season. Clough also has a lot more options upfront than he did last season with the signings of Chris McGuire and Nathan Tyson. As yet, both have yet to play any part but it makes the squad a lot stronger and once they do get fit and get games under their belt, they will score goals.

Donny have been likened to Arsenal because of their style of play but like Arsenal, they may need to sacrifice part of their philosophy and attempt to put a run of results together in order to prevent them from being cast adrift at the bottom of the table. Admittedly, Rovers have not had the easiest of openings to their league campaign as they have faced Brighton, West Ham and most recently Nottingham Forest. They have also not been hammered as they have lost by the odd goal in each of their matches. A 3-0 cup win over Tranmere also shows that they are capable of scoring goals which they have struggled to do in the league thus far, with just one goal for. Part of the reason for that is the absence of Billy Sharp who is injured. Their top scorer from last season has not played since the opening day of the season when he got stretchered off after opening the scoring earlier in the match. He is likely to be out for several months which deals a massive blow to Sean O’Drisscoll who has delved into the transfer market in an attempt to soften the blow of losing his star striker.

Derby were the last team that Doncaster beat in the division back in March. It means that the away side have won just once in 22 games, and the match was also their only away win in the last nine months. Could it be that they can record their second win in that time at the same ground? Possibly, but not for me. The vibes coming out of Derby County after their success in midweek were very positive and I feel than can continue their excellent start to the new season.

My Selection: Derby County to beat Doncaster Rovers

Best odds available: 5/6 available with Totesport

Sunday 21st August

English Championship

West Ham v Leeds United

A match that wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League takes place at Upton Park on Sunday as recently relegated West Ham look to continue their good form when Leeds, fresh from a resounding 4-1 over Hull, come to visit.

Sam Allardyce suffered a defeat in his first league match in charge when Cardiff scored in the last minute to win on the opening day of the season. Since then however, West Ham have looked far more accomplished and are getting the results that many expected of them before a ball was kicked. Still with Scott Parker onside, Allardyce is looking to galvanize a support who were disillusioned with many at the club, from the owners down to the players on the park. The only way he will succeed in doing that is by winning games. Tuesday’s emphatic win over Watford will have done no harm at all but consistency is the key. There’s no point in winning two matches on the road if they are unable to get maximum points in their home games. Key to that is Kevin Nolan who Allardyce worked with at Bolton, which is arguably the main reason why the former Newcastle midfielder dropped down a division when he left the Tyneside club. Nolan is forming a formidable relationship with Scott Parker, Jack Collison, Mark Noble and Matty Taylor in the West Ham midfield. There is a mix of everything and is the envy for all the other Championship managers.

Leeds lost their first two league games in a whimper before thrashing Hull on Tuesday night. It will have boosted everyone’s confidence and giving some belief back to the players who were so close to finishing in the play-off’s last season. Simon Grayson has refused to make wholesale changes during the summer instead trusting the players who have done so well for him and the club. Darren O’Dea is arguably their biggest transfer of the summer coming in on loan from Celtic. The defender has slotted straight into the first eleven and will make an impact at the club. Last weekends defeat to Middlesbrough will have hurt Grayson in more than one way. Not only did they lose the match, but certain players lost their discipline as well resulting in two yellow cards. This will be a worry for Grayson as Leeds were dogged with suspensions through all of last season. In order to have the best possible campaign this time around, Grayson and his players must keep their heads and concentrate on playing football.

It’s sure to be a fiery match as there is not much blood loss between the two sets of fans. Both are massive clubs and will be hoping that this season is just a stepping stone for better things in the near future. Leeds have been soundly beaten on their only away game to date when they lost 3-1 to Southampton, whilst as mentioned, West Ham lost their only home match thus far. Something has to give and with the form West Ham are in at the moment, I’m siding with Big Sam’s boys to do the business.

My Selection: West Ham to beat Leeds United

Best odds available: 3/4 available with William Hill

Ex- England boss Steve McClaren has been pinpointed as one of the early favourites to succeed Avram Grant as West Ham manager after the Israeli was shown the door at Upton Park just minutes after the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship was confirmed following a 3-2 defeat at fellow strugglers Wigan. A statement on the club’s official website read: "The club can confirm that Avram Grant is no longer the manager of West Ham United. First-team coach Kevin Keen will take charge of the team for the final home match of the season against Sunderland on Sunday 22 May."

McClaren, who has been out of the game since being sacked by Bundesliga side Wolfsburg earlier this year after just 21 games in charge, guided Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup Final in 2006 and led FC Twente to the Dutch Eredivisie title in 2010 before joining Wolfsburg. He’s the type of high-profile name that might attract West Ham‘s flamboyant owners, but whether McClaren would want to try and restore his reputation in the tough environs of the Championship is another matter. Skybet and William Hill are convinced that the man the press dubbed the ‘Wally With The Brolly’ will be in the Hammers’ hot seat by the start of next season, however, and go 1/3. Victor Chandler will lay you 11/10.

Having been installed as favourite when news of Grant‘s sacking initially broke, former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is now a best 9/1 with Paddy Power. Hughton, of course, masterminded the Magpies’ promotion from the Championship last season and his appointment would make more sense than that of someone like Sam Allardyce, another former Newcastle boss, who is a 12/1 chance with Paddy Power. Given that there is unlikely to be a lot of cash to spare at Upton Park next year, Allardyce may be a little outside the London club’s price range. .

West Ham Manager Betting – The Outsider & Betting Odds:

Caretaker-boss Keen is 14/1 with Skybet while Swansea‘s Brendan Rodgers (16/1 with Victor Chandler) and Doncaster‘s Sean O’Driscoll (20/1 with William Hill), experienced Championship managers and both advocates of the type of football that West Ham fans demand, could be attractively-priced outsiders for the job. Former Hammers players Slaven Bilic and Paolo Di Canio (both 16/1 with Skybet and Paddy Power), and Alan Curbishley (25/1 with Skybet) also get a quote but there has been hardly any money for Martin O’Neill, normally linked with every managerial vacancy, and the Irishman is a general 16/1 for the post. West Ham are a best 7/1 to win next season’s Championship title.

Saturday 7th May
 
English Premier League
 
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
 
Massive match at Upton Park on Saturday as both West Ham and Blackburn are still right in the thick of a relegation battle and desperately need points in their bid for survival.  
 
West Ham put in a decent enough performance last Sunday when away to fourth placed Manchester  City. They went down narrowly losing 2-1 but it’s yet another game, in a list of many, where they’ve came away with no points. Last weekends fixtures saw the Hammers fall to bottom of the division and no team has managed to beat the drop when in last place this late on in the season. Avram Grant is of course no stranger to relegation as he was in charge of Portsmouth when they were demoted last season. He would have been expecting a much easier season in charge of West Ham but that has not been the case. Everyone expected the clarets to kick on when they brought in reinforcements during the January transfer window. They managed a decent enough run of form between February and March but have since tailed off and are now without a win since March. In actual fact, they have lost six of their last seven so it’s no real surprise to see where they are at this point. Their last point was gained in the middle of March so they are certainly right out of form heading into the final three matches of their season.  
 
Although Rovers won last weekend at home to Bolton, they are still not safe from the drop. They are six points clear of tomorrow’s rivals but only half that margin ahead of the third bottom side, Wigan. Steve Kean will have been delighted with last Saturday’s victory as it does provide a bit of breathing space, but will be under no illusions that a point at worst tomorrow could provide so much more and would mean they would all but end West Ham’s hopes of staying up. It may not guarantee safety for Blackburn, but it would eliminate one of the many sides battling to beat the drop. Rovers will have to overcome a horrendous away record which has seen them win just three of 17 matches on their travels. Their last win on the road was against West Brom at the back end of last year. It means a run of eight away games without a win. They have lost seven of those but they can take some encouragement from their last trip to the capital when they held Arsenal to a goalless draw.  
 
Tensions will be understandably high tomorrow. West Ham know that anything but a win and there season could be as good as over depending on results elsewhere so they will be going all out for a win. Scott Parker, recently crowned Player of the Year, will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders once again, but the likes of Robbie Keane and Matthew Upson will also be important as their experience should come to the fore. Blackburn are in diabolical form away from home whilst West Ham are in terrible form overall. With so much at stake and with confidence set to be so low in both camps, the bet I like tomorrow is for their to be more goals in the second half. Often in games, teams who are in low in confidence are very susceptible to conceding late goals as they retreat deeper and deeper into their own half inviting pressure on to them. When you think of how nervous players will be in the opening 45, it looks a sound bet.  
 
Not every bookmaker offers such bets and I apologise in advance if you are unable to place such a bet but I often do these type of wagers in such games and believe it is the best bet of this fixture
 
My Selection: More goals in second half of the match  
 
Best odds available: 11/10 available with Coral
 
 
English Premier League
 
Everton v Manchester City
 
Manchester City look to have secured the fourth and final Champions League spot but as it’s not totally sealed, will be looking for all three points when they visit Goodison to face Everton.
 
Everton are really only playing for pride as they approach the final few games of the season. They had faint hopes of getting into the final Europa League spot but those seemed to be distant memory now as Spurs are seven points ahead having played a game less. Moyes will be disappointed as he is very ambitious and would have been targeting Europe through a league finish or from a domestic cup success. Neither will happen now but you can expect the Toffee’s to be kept up to their business as Moyes will be hoping to cement seventh place and hold off the challenge of Bolton and Fulham, with the latter of the two finishing the season strongly. Every position counts in the Premier League as more prizemoney is awarded the higher you finish. With Everton one of the clubs who can’t rely on massive investment, it can make a big difference to their budget for the following season.  
 
Roberto Mancini looked to be a couple of games from the sack about a month ago when they were struggling for form but football’s a funny old game and City have not only strengthened their grip on the final Champions League spot but they have also defeated their city rivals, United, in the semi final of the FA Cup which means they have the curtain piece to the domestic season to look forward to in a fortnight when they face Stoke at Wembley. It would be a unique ‘double’ of sorts for the Italian and his players who had to achieve something this season or their knives would have been out for him. Last weekends win over West Ham, aligned with Spurs defeat to Chelsea has all but ruled the London side out of the running whilst Liverpool’s late surge has come to late as they have also played a game more than City.  
 
Everton’s recent record against the light Blues has been excellent. They have won six of the last seven meetings between the two including the one just before Christmas where they were very impressive. Recent results, and performances against City may suggest that Moyes has the Indian sign over the mega-rich club and it’s something that the man in the away dugout will be hoping that it’s a run which comes to an end starting tomorrow.
 
Mancini can obviously call on a far bigger squad of players than tomorrow’s counterpart but it’s not exactly hindered Everton in the past. The players work so well as a unit and despite the lack of numbers, there is certainly a great deal of quality in the squad. They have had to contend with massive injury problems this season which has stretched their squad so it is testament to Moyes and his players that they are in the position they are currently in.  
 
Everton have certainly performed really well against City of late and it’s a run I envisage continuing tomorrow simply because of their ability to raise their game when they wish. They’re not always consistent but the odds on a home win are too attractive to knock back.
 
My Selection: Everton to beat Manchester City
 
Best odds available: 7/4 available with Victor Chandler
 
 
English League One
 
Southampton v Walsall
 
We delve into League One for the third preview of the weekend and pay a visit to St Mary’s where recently promoted Southampton play host to relegation threatened Walsall.
 
Nigel Adkins and his side have been the team to follow in recent weeks as they have powered themselves into the second automatic promotion spot behind runaway leaders Brighton. Adkins, who took the job after Alan Pardew was sacked earlier in the season, will be thrilled that his side have achieved their goal with a game to spare and that they can enjoy playing infront of their fans without any real pressure put upon them. This is further enhanced because of their opponents tomorrow as Walsall will be scrapping for their lives looking for points to ensure they are still in the division come next season. The Saints won’t be in the division but they will be plying their trade in the next level of English football. They have won 12 of their last 14 league games, an incredible record by anyone’s standards in any division. It may not come as a surprise considering the players at the club and the quality they have within the squad but they still have to have the right attitude and desire to go and perform and win matches which they certainly have had in recent weeks and months.  
 
Walsall currently sit on the threshold of relegation, one point above Dagenham and Redbridge who occupy the final relegation spot. They are in decent enough form of late as they are unbeaten in three and won last time out but they would have liked a better game to finish with than they one they are currently faced with. Any side would like their destiny in their own hands which the Saddlers have but they would have preferred to be at home on the final day. As it is they have to travel to the form side in the division, if not the country, and attempt to win which would guarantee their survival. Of course, they could end up losing the match and still stay up depending on results elsewhere but it’s hardly something they’ll wish to experience as their nerves will be bad enough when they stop on to that pitch tomorrow.  
 
Looking at the prices for this game and you can obviously see that the fact Southampton have nothing but pride to play for and Walsall everything to play for, has played a massive part in the pricing of the fixture. If this games was played last week you would never have gotten close to the price Southampton will be whilst Walsall would have been much bigger, probably double what they currently are.  
 
Walsall can console themselves with the fact that Dagenham too are away and face a difficult match against free-scoring Peterbrough at London Road – not a gimmee by any stretch of the imagination.  
 
It will be party time for the home side tomorrow and the fans will expect a good performance to sign off what has been a successful season. They have so much quality and so many goals in the side that their price is a false one to me and I believe the bookies have got this one wrong.  
 
My Selection: Southampton to beat Walsall
 
Best odds available: 4/6 available with Betfred

llSunday 6^th February

English Premier League

West Ham v Birmingham

These two sides have already met three times already this year as they clashed in the League Cup semi finals, they do battle again when three crucial league points are up for grabs.

West Ham have been disappointing for much of the season and have failed to live up to their expectation with so many quality players. When Avram Grant took over in the summer, he would have been hoping for a top half finish with the likes of Scott Parker, Carlton Cole, Matthew Upson and Robert Green through the spine of his side. As it is, they are struggling at the wrong end of the table and are right in the thick of the relegation scrap. What has been some sort of consolation for the Hammers, has been the nature of this Premier League season as the majority of teams have failed to put any sort of run of form together. As such, West Ham are only a couple of points off of safety despite winning just five games to date. Their form was so bad that there were even rumours of Grant being sacked and replaced by Martin O’Neill. In a strange turn of events, however, O’Neill rubbished the link and Grant has lived on to fight another day. 

Birmingham enjoyed a terrific season last time around and once again, expectations were extremely high for them to repeat that feat. Once again, however, that has failed to materialise and Alex McLeish’s men are also involved in the dogfight at the bottom of the table. The problem for Brum has been their inability to create and score chances. They currently boast the fewest amount of goals scored in the division which highlights their paltry efforts going forward. One crumb of comfort for McLeish has been his side’s efforts in the cup competitions. Having come back to dispose of West Ham to reach the final of the League cup, they are also in the fifth round of the FA Cup. McLeish is under no illusions as to what is more important and firmly believes that survival is worth far more to the club than anything else. In order to survive and remain in the Premier League, they will need to pick up more points on the road as they have won only once on their travels from 11 efforts.

West Ham strengthened considerably in the January transfer window with the purchase of Gary O’Neill from Middlesbrough, Demba Ba from Hoffenheim and the loan signings of Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge. Keane instantly became a hero on Wednesday night when he notched on his debut against Blackpool whilst O’Neill has added some much needed energy in the middle of the park.

Birmingham were also busy in the transfer window as they brought in David Bentley, Obafemi Martins and Curtis Davies. All three have a chance of starting tomorrow and they could provide the spark for others to ignite their season.

West Ham won the home leg of their cup tie and have started to score more goals and in turn, accumulate more points in the last few weeks. Birmingham remain poor travellers and have it all to do when they travel to East London as they have not won at the ground since 2002. It’s a run I can envisage continuing tomorrow.

My selection: West Ham to beat Birmingham

Best odds available: 11/10 available with Boylesports

West Ham v Arsenal Betting Tip & Odds: Can West Ham realistically outgun the Gunners? It is highly unlikely, even with home advantage. We are all aware of the threat which Arsenal carry up front, and with the Hammers back line being anything but water tight, it is likely that Arsenal will come away with three points here. The home side have shown a bit more resilience of late, but this is a  much bigger test for them now. Can they take at least a point off their London rivals? It is unlikely and not expected. Arsenal really should get the upper hand here, they have shown what they can do on the road. Arsenal -1 Asian Handicap Evens at Bet365

West Ham to win: 11/2 at Bet365
Draw: 16/5 at Victor Chandler
Arsenal to win: 8/13 at Stan James

EPL Match Preview:  A gripping London derby for Saturday afternoon in the Premier League, one which could have big ramifications at the top and bottom of the league. It wasn’t too long ago that West Ham boss Avram Grant was odds on favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post, but after a run of five undefeated matches, the Hammers boss has had something of a reprieve. A crucial first leg victory in the Carling Cup semi final in midweek over Birmingham will have helped things along as well. But West Ham needed that, as their last Premier League outing resulted in a bad day at the office for the Hammers. They were thrashed 5-0 at Newcastle. The Hammers are bottom of the Premier League still, but at least their current form has shown something of a mini recovering, and being just two points behind Fulham who are in fourteenth place, there is still a lot to play for. There are certainly a few teams immediately above the Hammers who are in a worse run of form than they are, so can the Hammers perform an escape act? A win over Arsenal would certainly to them wonders. At least West Ham are showing some battling qualities (epitomised by their 10-man victory over Birmingham), and are offering their fans a glimmer of hope that they will be OK. They have drafted in former England Full Back Wayne Bridge on loan from Manchester City to try and boost them, but they really are struggling with a growing injury list at the moment. Just to add to their survival problems, Victor Obinna, who was sent off against Birmingham in the Carling Cup in midweek starts a three match suspension.

There is no doubt that there is still a lot of pressure on Avram Grant, but at least they can show some improvement, however, the Hammers have not really covered themselves in much glory when Arsenal have come to visit Upton Park. The Hammers have not picked up a win over the Gunners in eight home matches now, and the overall head to head heavily favours the Gunners. For a side which has only won three home matches all season, it begs the question of just what they will be able to get out of this match. The thing is, they need something out of it, but how? Their best effort recently came in a 2-2 draw at Upton Park, back in the 2009/10 season, and they have already succumbed to Arsenal at the Emirates this season. That was a 1-0 victory for Arsenal then, but these are the margins by which West Ham are being kept down. A look at the head to head stats, sees that Arsenal have a 39% win percentage at Upton Park, while the Hammers have just a 24% win percentage. That is a poor record at home against a top club, although the goals scored in those matches are pretty close. In the 61 West Ham v Arsenal fixtures at Upton Park, West Ham have scored 80, Arsenal have scored 90. However, that is not a great reflection of recent trends, as West Ham have only scored in one league match out of the last eight against Arsenal (again, in that 2-2 draw). For West Ham, who have one of the worst defensive records in the league, and are struggling for goals, it could be another bleak afternoon for them.

As for Arsenal though, they will be looking to pick themselves up after a midweek Carling Cup first leg defeat against Ipswich. That was a huge surprise, and after only picking up a 1-1 draw against Leeds in the FA Cup third round before that, combined with a 0-0 draw against Man City in the Premier League, Arsenal have now not won in three matches. Arsenal go into the match with back up keeper Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks, and without Squillaci and Sagna at the back. Up front, Arsene Wenger can again rotate his forwards, bringing Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri back into the fold. Arsenal clearly are the better team of the two, and they need a win to close the gap on Manchester United, albeit temporarily with the Red Devils playing Spurs on Sunday. The potency of Arsenal is there to see, and they have produced the most shots on target all season out of all Premier League teams, but their form has dipped just a little bit, winning just one in five matches now. It has been more of a case of frustration than anything else. They did play poorly against Ipswich to be fair, but as exemplified by the match against Manchester City, who were dourly negative, teams shut up shop against Arsenal, knowing that the Gunners have the potential to run riot in the goal scoring department.

The Gunners need to put pressure on United now, and cannot afford to lose any more ground at all right now. Fortunately for the Gunners, their away form has been pretty strong this season, only losing twice on the road, and their only blips have come on visits to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge. Arsenal will be better than they were in midweek, and against West Ham, you really would expect them to come away with a win. They showed tremendous character in a win over Birmingham in their last Premier League away match, and that is what they need more of. None of the soporific, retreating into their shells or suffering naivety which has frustrated them of late. They need to find that ruthless edge and pick up three points. With their great record against West Ham in recent times, they look a pretty safe bet to get back to winning ways again. It will be a battle, as the Hammers will huff and puff against them, but there will probably be enough space for the Gunners to do the business.

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West Ham v Arsenal Premier League Betting Statistics

Last 5 Head to Head
Arsenal 1, West Ham 0
Arsenal 2, West Ham 0
West Ham 2, Arsenal 2
Arsenal 0, West Ham 0
West Ham 0, Arsenal 2

West Ham have an 27% win percentage at home in the league this season
Arsenal have a 55% win percentage away from home in the league this season

West Ham are on a streak of two home matches with no defeat
Arsenal are on a streak of two away matches with no defeat

West Ham have scored 14 goals, and conceded 16 at home
Arsenal have scored 20 and conceded 11 goals in their away matches

West Ham average 1.2 goals per match at home this season
Arsenal average 1.8 goals per match away from home this season

West Ham have scored the bulk of their goals in the 46-60 minute bracket
Arsenal have scored the majority of their goals in the 46-60 and 76-90 minute brackets

West Ham have opened the scoring in 31% of their matches
Arsenal have scored first in 61% of their matches

West Ham 2010/11 top scorer: Piquionne, 5
Arsenal 2010/11 top scorer: Nasri, 9

West Ham 2010/11 Season Form: P22 W4 D8 L10 GF22 GA38 Pts 20 (20th)
Arsenal 2010/11 Season Form: P21 W12 D4 L5 GF42 GA22 Pts 40 (3rd)

The gates of the January transfer window will be thrown widely open tomorrow, as teams look to bolster their squad for both title challenges and survival across the football leagues. Focus of course will primarily be on the big movers and shakers in the Premier League, as one wonders what movement there will be. There are some big names being touted around in the gossip columns already, but historically, the January Transfer window falls a little bit short on excitement. It is rare to get a big name signing, as clubs will prefer to hold on to key and star players until the end of the season. Usually the type of player who gets moved, is those who are spending far too much time warming the bench at their club, and those veteran types who get snapped up by lower standing teams to add valuable experience to try and ward of relegation. Still, that doesn’t stop the rumours spreading, and of course football betting opportunities from arising. We’ll take a look over some of the top rumours and assess the chances of where a player may end up. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said that there is no need for him to spend in the summer, and indeed may lose players with West Ham interested in Michael Owen, and striker Macheda the most likely candidate to be moved out of the club, possibly on loan. Arsene Wenger has not dismissed the idea of spending, but it is going to be hard seeing him add to his squad during January, realistically, there is no need to, and who knows with Chelsea? There is a likelihood that they would dip into the market, simply to score some good PR points with their fans. They have been linked with Brazilian David Luiz, a centre half at Benfica, but that is about it. There is a strong possibility that it will happen though, if they can come to some agreement over a fee.

Manchester City
It is hard to talk about trades without heading straight to Eastlands. Manchester City have the cash, and they are ready to spend apparently. Top of their list is striker Edin Dzeko, who the club are apparently desperate to bring in. His arrival from Wolfsburg could mean the departure of unsettled Mario Balotelli back to Italy. Dzeko is a player who has been linked with Chelsea for a long time, but in a bidding war, City look as if they will be able to stump up the goods. However, just as interesting, is who may leave City in the January Transfer window, as they have a big squad, and with all of the supposed discontent flying around there this season, some players are falling into the bit-part category and may just be moved. Carlos Tevez is of course likely to stay now after taking back his transfer request, and 12/1 at SkyBet for a move to Real Madrid sums up the chances of him leaving. It’s not happening. Emmanuel Adebayor though, has a lot more potential for being shown the door. Italian club Juventus are hot on his heels and are priced at 6/4 with Skybet to land him in the January Transfer window. Inter Milan are second favourites at 4/1 with SkyBet. It could be a striker clear out at Manchester City, with out of favour Roque Santa Cruz looking to secure a permanent move away. He should stay in the Premier League, and could be a decent catch for Fulham at 2/1, or more likely, Everton at 5/2 (both with SkyBet). Fulham won’t have the cash to spend, and he seems to fit better with the Toffees. What about Shaun Wright-Phillips? He would inject some life into teams like West Ham, Newcastle or Stoke, who are all front runners to get him at 5/1. Less of a likely move though.  Goalkeeper Shay Given, does look as if he wants away though, and Italian club Roma look favourites to poach him at a price of 4/1, while Celtic are also in the mix at 9/2. Aston Villa makes a reasonable destination for him though priced at 6/1, as Villa would likely send Brad Friedel the other way in a part exchange deal. There are conflicting rumours about Wayne Bridge, who could go to West Ham, but on loan. Apparently City have already turned down an offer from the London club.

Tottenham.
It is with little surprise really that Spurs are being linked with so many players. Their chairman is ready to bankroll some new faces coming into the club. The club are on a definite upward trend, and could really use a world class star just to accent their already strong squad. Trouble is, will they be able to find such a man. Boss Harry Redknapp doesn’t seem to think so, as he knows how tough it is to pry players away from their clubs in January. Still, it doesn’t stop the speculation. How long can Newcastle fend off the advances for their star striker Andy Carroll? After earning himself an England call up this year, the bruising, classic English centre forward has not let stepping up a level to the Premier League halt his development. Clubs will want him, that is for sure, and there is one likely destination, and that will be Tottenham (3/1 at SkyBet). He would just be a perfect fit, he has that ruggedness to mix things up a bit in Harry Redknapp’s side, and would make a fantastic addition. Unlikely to head anywhere else than there. It has been no secret that Spurs have wanted West Ham midfielder Scott Parker for some time now. Parker is at really short odds of 4/5 with Skybet to head to Spurs in the January Transfer window. Is he really the star that Redknapp is looking for though? Everton’s Steven Pienaar is being linked with Spurs to, but at odds of 4/1, seems unrealistic. Aston Villa’s Ashley Young is also linked heavily with a move away from the troubled club, and Spurs are favourites to land his services. It’s a little more difficult to see him fitting into the squad though. Redknapp is a big fan of Young though, and could work a player deal to make it happen, with the likes of David Bentley and Robbie Keane going the other way. There is one other big name which is being linked to Tottenham. That is the one and only David Beckham. He is likely to go out on loan again from LA Galaxy, as he looks to hone his fitness in Europe once more. There are big rumours that he’ll be at an English club, but it won’t be Manchester United. His insistence once that he would only come back to the Premier League with his former club, may go out of the window, and Tottenham are 10/11 favourites to be the English team to get him, although Chelsea would make a great fit as they look for experience to fill their bench. Everton are the only other team which are really in the running for him, but that sounds a bit unlikely, but nevertheless are priced at 12/1 to make the deal.

Liverpool
They have been keenly tracking the services of Ashley Young for some time now, but while Aston Villa boss Gerrard Houllier has a lot of work to do to turn around the fortunes of the club which he inherited, he has insisted that Young will not be sold. That puts Liverpool’s plans of getting him in the January Transfer window (at 6/1 with SkyBet) firmly on hold. West Ham’s Carlton Cole seems a more viable prospect though. He’s had a tough season down at Upton Park, and a big move could ignite his career again. Cole is 4/1 at SkyBet to move to Liverpool, but with Avram Grant trying to salvage something from West Ham’s season, and looking to bring in talent himself, could be reluctant to let him go. Hence the price. The most fascinating transfer saga at Anfield, is of course Fernando Torres. Will the Spanish striker, who is a world class player want to carry on a team which loses 1-0 at home to Wolves? A January Transfer may be out there, and Manchester City would be the likeliest destination if he goes, priced at 4/1. Liverpool are in dire need of something, but the transfers that boss Roy Hodgson made in the summer, really have not paid off. He could be out of a job before he gets the time to make any deals.

All of the above prices can be found at online bookmaker SkyBet. The coverage on their site is fantastic, as to be expected, and the Sportsbook extensive, all backed up with news and statistics. As a welcome offer for new customers, SkyBet offer a free £10 bet for new customers opening an account.

The current Premier League relegation market looks pretty straightforward. West Ham are on their way down and are likely to be joined by Wolves and Wigan, both of whom are also odds-on to be playing Championship football next season.

Case closed? You have to be kidding if previous seasons have taught us anything. The race for survival carries more twists and turns than a Dan Brown novel and it’s fair to say that at least nine teams can be relegated from the Premier League and that’s discounting Aston Villa (12/1 bet365), Stoke City (20/1 William Hill) and Everton (33/1 William Hill).

West Ham are clearly in trouble and it’s something of a surprise to find Avram Grant still in a position at Upton Park. It’s getting pretty critical for the Hammers in terms of a points shortage, with bet365 now offering a best price 1/2 that the east London team fail to make it out of the bottom three come the end of the season.

Not that people will be wading in at that price considering they will have five months to wait for any profit, although there could be some merit in the 10/1 with Blue Square that Blackburn Rovers pay the price for a strange decision this week.

The Lancashire club have recently been taken over by a company called Venky’s, an Indian firm that specialises in chicken. However, there was nothing cowardly about their decision to depose Sam Allardyce as manager, although Harry Redknapp is among those who thinks that the sacking could end in tears.

Perhaps we will only start to see how good a job Allardyce was doing over the next few weeks and months, with Blackburn’s game against West Ham on Saturday being an opportunity for the Hammers to break their duck on the road and haul their opponents into a relegation scrap.

Wolves’ 1-0 win over Birmingham last Sunday means that they are within touching distance of safety and you sense that there’s a great team spirit at Molineux, something which helped them stay in the Premier League last season. Skybet offer odds of 10/11 for those that think a lack of quality will ultimately be their downfall and they have a big match coming up on Sunday.

West Brom have an opportunity to plunge their rivals into deeper trouble and it’s amazing that the Baggies are now as big as 7/1 (bet365) to be relegated considering they were odds-on at the start of the season. 22 points from 17 matches is a decent return and they are six better off than lowly Wigan, who have to be on anyone’s shortlist for the drop.

The Latics weren’t far away from danger last term and just three victories from seventeen this term have the alarm bells ringing. The bookies have 8/11 (William Hill) that Roberto Martinez’s team are playing Championship football next season.

Blackpool have looked anything but relegation candidates this season and they continue to prove they are no flash in the pan after a hard-earned 1-0 win at Stoke last weekend. Many people’s certainties to be relegated have 22 points from 16 games, an average which will be more than enough to keep them afloat. The Tangerines are 7/4 (William Hill) to go down.

West Ham United v Manchester United Betting Tip & Odds: An away win banker here? There is a gulf in class between the two teams, even though United won’t bother sending their strongest side to Upton Park. There’s really not much need to. The Hammers will give a spirited display no doubt, but the extra quality level that United can produce will win them this game. It is just by a matter of how many really, as United have a good recent record against the Hammers. Manchester United/Manchester United Halftime/Fulltime bet 2/1 at Blue Square

West Ham United to win: 3/4 at Totesport
Draw: 57/20 at Bodog
Manchester United to win: 9/2 at SkyBet

Carling Cup Match Preview: Manchester United laid down a huge marker to their rivals in the Premier League on the weekend, firing seven goals past Blackburn. It’s unlikely that it will be the same team that takes to the field at West Ham for this Carling Cup quarter final match, as boss Alex Ferguson will no doubt ring the changes. With such a variety of attacking options available to him, this is the perfect opportunity to give starts to the likes of Javier Hernandez and Federico Macheda. The central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic will probably also get the chance to have a rest, not that they had a lot to do on the weekend against Blackburn. United are the defending champions, and how much will it mean to them to defend their title? If they can do it with a second string team, then all the better for Alex Ferguson, who has a lot bigger fish to fry than this. So don’t expect a strong Manchester United side for this one, but nonetheless, it really should be strong enough. But, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City falling by the wayside early in the competition, the road has pretty much been left open for them. Realistically the only challenge to the Red Devils in their quest to defend the Carling Cup, will be Arsenal. So will a much changed team have a big influence on the football betting for this one?

Not a great deal really. But there are some considerations to be factored into all this. Manchester United have found wins on the road hard to come by in the Premier League this season, and that was with stronger teams than which will take to the field on Tuesday night. West Ham are also unbeaten in their last three matches at home as well. However, while the depth of the Manchester United squad really is not as good as one would expect it to be, it has still shown that old United magic of pulling through even when they have looked down and out. Fergie will field players who are fighting for starting places at the club, and that should be enough incentive for these fringe players likes Chris Smalling who will get the chance to start in defence again. The other big factor is looking at the level of opposition here. West Ham are not going to be able to cope with that extra touch of quality, and it may only take a flash of genius here and there from United to win this one, without breaking too much of a sweat. That is the difference between a top side and struggling one at this level. They are both Premier League teams, but divisions apart in truth. United won 3-0 against West Ham at the start of the season in the League, and have now hit 10 goals in their last three matches against the Hammers.

West Ham received a boost on the weekend, when they managed to pick up their second victory of the Premier League season, as they bottom side club took a vital three points off Wigan. Boss Avram Grant is a man under pressure though, and the Hammers look odds on favourites to be playing Championship football next season. The quality is not there, neither up front or at the back, but they do have pretty much a full squad to pick from, including Kieron Dyer, who is looking hopeful for a place in the team. Although they have been going badly in the Premier League, a loss against a side of Manchester United fringe players would be just as demoralising for the West Ham fans. West Ham need to be better than that, but neither form nor stats are really on their side. Even though the Hammers really do have a pretty good home record against Manchester United (West Ham have won 45% of home matches against Manchester United) recent form needs to be looked at primarily. They have lost in their last six matches against Manchester United, and not only that, the Hammers have failed to score against United in the last five games also. Manchester United are unbeaten this season in all competitions and it is likely to stay that way as well after Tuesday night’s game at Upton Park. United have a good recent history in the Carling Cup, and they should be well on their way to the final after this.

Last 5 Head to head
Manchester United 3, West Ham 0
Manchester United 3, West Ham 0
West Ham United 0, Manchester United 4
West Ham United 0, Manchester United 1
Manchester United 2, West Ham United 0