There are plenty of conspiracy theories why West Ham will stay in Premier. I will keep to the field and would say they will probably stay because they possess much more quality in players than their fellow strugglers. Problem is defence line, one of the worst in league. They have conceded 56 goals in 32 games, seven in last two. Skipper Scott Parker is rated in doubt and his absence would be a huge miss in the midfield. However, this is a make or break for the Hammers and we will see an ultimate effort. Kieron Dyer could be in the team after finishing his loan spell Ipswich. West Ham have lost only three of 14 matches against bottom-half sides.
Villa are also (in my honest opinion) team of unused potential. Randy Lerner’s lack of sense for sport and investment costs them a fight for Europe. Players hate Houllier (I cannot blame them) and that is probably the main reason for the underachieving. They defeated the Toon in the previous round, but still are not safe (five points above the line). Their counter-attack approach should suit more for the away games, but Villa have noticed five winless games on the road (three defeats, two draws), have conceded 12 in those and haven’t kept a clean sheet in last 17 away league matches.
West Ham are desperate for three points, but Villa are definitely able to score. Odds on goals are more than decent. Another over for me.
Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.07 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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