Tag: West Ham

More Travel Sickness for Chelsea

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Under Antonio Conte, today’s Chelsea squad is enriched with an abundance of talent and leadership that is the envy of all.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s future in the Premier League remains uncertain but not necessarily bleak. A strong January transfer window, which saw the arrival of dead ball specialist Robert Snodgrass, appears to have given the team a massive boost.

The ninth-placed Hammers are now in a good position to finish in the top half and build from there. Sadly, a European finish is seemingly out of the question.

Unsurprisingly, just one bookmaker is now offering odds for West Ham to achieve a top-six berth. The certifiably insane can back the Hammers to pull this off at 250/1 with Bet 365.

Can Bilic restore the faith?

West Ham has not made a particularly impressive start to life at the London Stadium. Yet, aside from two league defeats at home (to both Manchester clubs), 2017 has begun reasonably well for the East End club.

Neutrals will also do well to remember that the Hammers have already beaten Chelsea at home this season. That victory came in the EFL Cup fourth round on 26 October.

Tellingly, Bilic’s battlers have also scored twice against Chelsea in three of the last four encounters. That noted, Chelsea has seldom conceded against West Ham without response. Ultimately, this means that the Anytime Goalscorer Double market is a potential goldmine ahead of Monday evening.

Adventurous bettors may be willing to explore less obvious options, but at 11/2 (William Hill), the inclusion of Diego Costa and Andy Carroll on the scoresheet is a tempting proposition to back.

Awayday Blues

The EFL Cup exit was, in many ways, the best thing that could have happened to Chelsea. With no other distractions, Conte’s side became unplayable over the autumn of 2016. Though Chelsea is seemingly invincible at home, away games have occasionally disrupted the flow of West London’s finest.

One notable case in hand is Chelsea’s recent trip to Turf Moor. Drawing 1-1 in a flurry of East Lancashire sleet and hostility, the Blues badly under-performed against a spirited Burnley side. Not long before that came a 2-0 defeat at White Hart Lane. The latter match was comfortably Chelsea’s worst performance of this season to date.

Those matches are just two examples of Chelsea’s fallibility on the road, making Monday night’s London derby very difficult to predict. Therefore, we delve into the HT/FT market for potential gems.

West Ham owe it to the oft-suffering home faithful to make a strong start, and Bet Victor is currently offering generous odds of 19/1 for Chelsea to gain a draw after trailing at halftime.

Our Prediction

For away sides, Sky’s Monday Night Football represents the ultimate experience in crowd hostility and subjective scrutiny. It was a psychological test which Liverpool failed with flailing colours in the most recent edition – the heavy favourites went down 3-1 at relegation-battling Leicester.

The context of a local rivalry multiplies any impending psychological hardships many fold. For all its self-evident skill, the Chelsea starting XI will have to fight its way through hell for three points.

The official Betcirca prediction is West Ham 2-2 Chelsea. This exact scoreline can be backed at a market-high of 18/1 with Bet365.

West Ham v Man City: Hammers out for revenge

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Just three weeks ago West Ham United endured the worst night of their season to date when Manchester City rolled into town and clobbered them 5-0.

The destruction they faced at the London Stadium that night resulted in an early and embarrassing exit from the FA Cup for Slaven Bilic’s men at the third round stage of the competition. However, they haven’t had to wait too long for their opportunity to exact revenge.

Revenge the order of the day

This coming Tuesday evening, Pep Guardiola’s stuttering City return once again to East London looking for another decisive victory to give a semblance of still being title challengers in the wake of their recent patchy form. The Hammers, on the other hand, will be hoping to make amends for that painful five-goal mauling in early January by putting a major dent in City’s fading title aspirations.

In the continued absence of want-away French star Dimitri Payet, who has been upsetting the applecart with his desire to move back to former club Marseille, Bilic will be hoping that the fit and rejuvenated Andy Carroll can continue his recent impressive form and fire West Ham to a third league victory in succession.

City favourites but Hammers better value for money

Guardiola’s men will enter the match on Tuesday as the overriding favourites with the bookmakers for another victory, Bet365 quoting them as low as 4/7 to prevail. However, if you’re looking for value for money when contemplating your next betting fix, it’s difficult to look past a wager on a home win, with massive odds of 21/4 still available at BetVictor. Given City’s recent iffy away form, with away defeats at Leicester, Liverpool and a 4-0 drubbing at Everton fresh in the mind, coupled with West Ham’s improving results of late, a small flutter on a home win has to be worth some serious consideration.

Carroll to continue recent hot streak?

Many punters will undoubtedly look at the first goalscorer market as a source of potential winnings as always. And while it’s difficult at 5/2 with Paddy Power to look past City’s top goalscorer Sergio Aguero to bring home the bacon, serious thought should be afforded to the big man Carroll, who has notched three goals in his last two outings and is great value at 8/1 also with Paddy Power. Aside from the big guns, a significant alternative in the first goalscorer stakes could be West Ham’s man of the season so far, Michail Antonio, who has top-scored with eight goals and is a huge 11/1 with everybody’s favourite Irish bookmaker.

Lightning to strike twice?

City will be reticent to drop any further points with the club already an intimidating 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea. Anything less than a win would surely signal the end of any realistic title-winning hopes. And for anybody with a few quid burning a hole in their pocket and looking for a long odds special, how about a wager on another 5-0 whitewash in City’s favour? Aha, but lightning doesn’t strike twice you say. Well, although unlikely, think Liverpool 4 Newcastle 3 at Anfield two seasons on the bounce in the nineties. Impossible is nothing. Sky Bet will give odds of 50/1 for City to repeat the trick. I might just have a fiver on that myself.

Elsewhere, for any Hammers fans looking for more than just retribution on the pitch and instead some reprisal in the shape of cold hard cash in the pocket, how about a tempting 6/1 with Bet365 for the Hammers to go five better than last time and completely shut out City’s attack? It should be an interesting contest.

An Entertaining London Derby Expected

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

IT’S a feisty London derby to look forward to on Saturday night when West Ham entertains Arsenal at The London Stadium, and it promises to be a decent watch.

After a fantastic first season in charge at West Ham for Slaven Bilic, this season has been a total shocker, and his side arrives at the crucial part of the season struggling for form with no wins from their last five matches.

The fixture list hasn’t been kind to the Hammers’ though with matches against Tottenham and Man United twice in that period, and despite the results, the performances have been encouraging, but it’s still very difficult to make a case for them in this one.

The bookies don’t give the home side much of a chance and neither do I, making Bilic’s side 4.80 for the win, and it’s hard to disagree as they’ve only managed to win twice at their new home in the Premier League all season.

Arsenal arrive in east London after a disappointing 2-0 cup defeat at home to Southampton, but not one player that featured on Wednesday night will be in the starting XI for this one, and that cup shock should be overlooked.

In the Premier League, it’s a very different story with Arsene Wenger’s side not losing since the opening day of the season; in the EPL betting markets, they are 1.80 with Betfred to keep up their good form, and I believe they will do just that.

WILL THERE BE GOALS?

Despite West Ham’s struggles they are still managing to score goals with five in their last four matches, and in every one of those games both teams have managed to find the back of the net.

It’s a very similar story at Arsenal with six of their last seven matches seeing both teams score, and I am expecting a few goals in what could be a very entertaining match-up.

Last season this fixture ended 3-3, and it’s always a clash that sees goals. I really like both teams to score at 1.66 with Bet365, and I will also be backing over 2.5 goals at the same price 1.66, plus I wouldn’t put anybody off backing over 3.5 goals at the more generous 2.62, again with Bet365.

West Ham’s Andy Carroll could feature in this one, and he caused the Arsenal defence all kinds of problems last year; but even if the England striker does feature, I believe Arsenal still have the extra firepower to edge a close one 3-2 at a massive 23.00 with Bet365 again.

Tottenham vs. West Ham: Transfers, Injuries and Very Few Goals

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The latest London derby between Tottenham and West Ham looks set to be defined by future desires and current injuries. Although the stats currently favour Spurs, it seems as though the action off the pitch might influence the game when the game kicks off on November 19.

Indeed, heading into the match, the two teams look set to be on a transfer collision course for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge. With the striker failing to find his mark with the Reds this season, a January transfer could be on the horizon, but where will he go? According to an article by Bleacher Report, Tottenham is eager to sign the goal-getter after failing to secure a deal at the start of the season.

The Sturridge Effect Could Impact Both Teams

Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly had his eye on Sturridge for some time, and the man himself has said he is willing to move to London if he gets the chance. With 57 goals in 102 games for Liverpool, Sturridge would certainly boost a Tottenham front line that’s only managed 15 goals this season (the lowest strike rate in the top five).

However, if the bookies have it right, Sturridge will be West Ham bound in January. Ladbrokes is currently offering 7/2 on a move to the Hammers, which may mean we see the striker in claret and blue this season. Of course, the odds are merely speculative at this point, but the current situation does seem to suggest that Tottenham and West Ham are vying for Sturridge, and that could create an interesting dynamic on Saturday.

Although Sturridge will be watching his Liverpool teammates take on Southampton, there’s a chance he’ll have one eye on Tottenham vs. West Ham. In fact, both managers probably know that their performances in the lead-up to Christmas could very well play a part in Sturridge’s decision-making process. With this in mind, neither side will want to give an inch when they clash at White Hart Lane.

Holes in Both Sides Could Shift the Dynamics

Of course, transfer speculation can only have so much effect on a game, and the real issue for both clubs this time around appears to be injuries. With West Ham currently languishing in 17th place after 11 games, manager Slaven Bilic certainly won’t be happy that he could be without nine players on Saturday.

Jamie Collins, Winston Reid, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho are just four of the players doubtful through injury. To make matters worse, Mark Noble won’t be eligible because of a ban, which means West Ham could be lacking in all areas of the park when they travel across London to Tottenham.

That fact will come as a blow to Hammers fans as they have yet to see their side gain any real momentum this season. Three wins from 11, and just six-goal strikes of a side that could easily slip into a regulation dogfight in the post-Christmas run.

However, if there was ever a glimmer of hope, then it’s the news that Pochettino has his own injury crisis to worry about. With Christian Eriksen injuring his foot for Denmark, Tottenham may now be without seven key players. Indeed, with Mousa Dembele and Vincent Janssen also suffering knocks while away on international duty, the Spurs side that’s currently gone unbeaten in 11 could look decidedly shaky on Saturday.

Odds Are We Won’t See Many Goals

Spurs’ injury worries don’t seem to have affected the odds, however. Scanning through the Premier League betting options at Sun Bets this week shows Tottenham as heavy favourites for the game. 8/15 is the current price on a home win, while a draw and away win are 16/5 and 5/1 respectively.

Given the current state of both team’s seasons, the form does suggest that a Tottenham win is on the cards. However, with transfer issues and injuries shifting the goalposts, this one might not be as cut-and-dry as the bookmakers believe. In fact, with the added pressure of it being a London derby, we could see West Ham’s finest raise their games and eke out a result.

In reality, the result is most likely to be a draw, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any betting value in this match. Perhaps the most alluring bets are those involving a lack of goals. With a combined 21 goals between them so far this season (that’s nine less than Liverpool have scored on their own), this game probably won’t be a goal-fest.

7/10 on under 2.5 goals at Bet365 looks to be a good price, as does 19/20 on both teams not to score. However, if you’re looking for some real value, 0-0 or 1-1 are currently priced at 12/1 and 13/2 respectively at Stan James.

Although Tottenham remains the clear favourites for the game, there is a chance that external factors could play a part in the result. If West Ham can retrieve a point from White Hart Lane, then it’s likely to be because they ground out a goalless draw. Yes, there’s a chance both teams could surprise us and bang in goals for fun, but the chances are this one will be a goal or two either way.

Premiership Preview – Saturday 21st March

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

As expected, the Premiership interest in the Champions League came to an end this week with Arsenal and Man City following Chelsea out of the exit door. Everton were thrashed last night to end their run in the Europa League so domestic football is all that remains for EPL fans.

Manchester City were fortunate to escape without an embarrassing score line in Barcelona, thanks largely to Joe Hart in goal. That defeat followed on the heels of an expensive defeat at Burnley in the Premiership and they need to start winning immediately if they are to have any hope of defending their title.

The knives are already out for Manuel Pellegrini as there seems no room for failure these days. They are at home to West Brom in the early kick-off and I expect Albion to give them a game. Odds of around 4-1 for a draw are tempting as City try to drag themselves back in touch with Chelsea. They are now looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack and another slip up on Saturday could see them drop to fourth this weekend.

Southampton’s season has faded slightly but they were still good enough to hold Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week. A similar display would bring them three points at home to Burnley, although the Clarets will be buoyed by their win over City.

Dick Advocaat begins his short-term appointment at Sunderland with a trip to London to face West Ham. Sam Allardyce, linked with the Sunderland job for next season, has allowed his side to slump alarmingly in recent weeks. Even so, the Black Cats were so appalling against Aston Villa last week that it would be no surprise to see a home win.

Tim Sherwood has seemingly produced a miracle cure at Villa Park with his side scoring goals and winning. They could continue the trend at home to Swansea who lacked a cutting edge against Liverpool last week, eventually losing 1-0 to a fluke goal by Henderson. I was impressed with Arsenal against Monaco in midweek. What a shame that they did not play half as well at home. Their Champions League may be over for another year but they are challenging City for second place and I can’t see them slipping up at Newcastle.

Tottenham were awful against Man United in the first half last week and need to bounce back at home to Leicester while Stoke v Crystal Palace has “draw” written all over it.

Man City v West Brom DRAW @19-4 Bet365

Aston Villa to beat Swansea @6-4 Bet365

Arsenal to beat Newcastle @8-13 Paddy Power

Southampton to beat Burnley by 1 goal @27-10 BetVictor

Stoke v Crystal Palace DRAW @23-10 Bet365

Tottenham to beat Leicester @3-5 Bet365

West Ham to beat Sunderland @9-10 BetVictor

Premier League Preview 4th March

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

There are some cracking Premier League matches lined up for Wednesday night as Chelsea and Man City continue their chase for the title.

The Blues were given some valuable breathing space by City’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday but will need to be at their best to take three points at West Ham. Sam Allardyce usually has a trick or two up his sleeve against the Blues and managed to enrage Jose Mourinho with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season.

West Ham’s season is in danger of petering out but they will surely be up for a London derby. Oscar only played a few minutes as substitute in the Cup final on Sunday and he could be worth a bet to score the opener in a narrow win for Chelsea.

City are not exactly in a slump after losing to Barcelona and Liverpool and it is worth remembering that they scored nine in their previous two matches. Normal service should be resumed at the expense of Leicester City at the Etihad. The bookmakers aren’t giving much away here but Sergio Aguero could be worth a look in the goal scorer markets.

BTSport are at St James’s Park to see Newcastle play Man United, traditionally a fixture that brings plenty of goals. United have made steady if not spectacular progress under Louis van Gaal and can just edge this one. You are not going to get rich by backing Liverpool to beat Burnley following their impressive win over City on Sunday. The Clarets usually put up a brave fight and may give Reds’ supporters a few nervy moments.

If there is to be an upset on Wednesday it could come at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino looked a thoroughly miserable figure in the Wembley rain as he saw his side crash out of a second Cup competition within the space of a few days. He will doubtless ring the changes for the visit of Swansea but may find it difficult to motivate his dishevelled troops. The Swans look worth a bet to sneak a victory with 1-0 being generously priced.

Arsenal bounced back from their embarrassing defeat against Monaco with a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton. They now face struggling QPR and should come away with all three points. Stoke play Everton in the night’s remaining fixture. The Toffees are proving impossible to predict at present, following their impressive Europa League form with a poor display at Arsenal. Stoke have a way of grinding out the results lately and will fancy their chances of another three points here.

Sergio Aguero to score two or more @7-2 Boyle Sports

Man United to win by one goal @11-4 Skybet

Santi Cazorla scores and Arsenal win @100-30 Paddy Power

Stoke 1 Everton 0 @13-2 Bet365

Tottenham 0 Swansea 1 @15-1 BetVictor

Swansea to beat Tottenham @9-2 Totesport

Oscar to score and Chelsea win @4-1 Paddy Power

Liverpool to win by one goal @14-5 BetVictor