West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur V West Ham United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19th March
Venue: White Hart Lane
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD2

The North of London clashes with the East this weekend in the first of ten Barclay’s Premier League fixtures, although this very encounter is one of four which will be shown live in front of your very eyes. You can catch this game from 12:45 (GMT) on Sky Sports 2 and HD2 this Saturday.

It is of no great surprise to hear that Spurs are favourites, and we would probably make them overwhelming ones at that. So many factors combine to make Harry Redknapp’s side appear an outstanding punt on paper. They are still chasing a top-four finish – currently three points adrift of Chelsea in fourth, so there should be no let-up there. Plus, they have suffered only one defeat in seven; just two in their last 17 in the Premier League, while they should be sharper and reinvigorated courtesy of their ten-day break from competitive football – their last piece of action was to eliminate the second most successful club in European history, AC Milan, from the UEFA Champions League.

Meanwhile, West Ham will take to the White Hart Lane pitch barely six days after their demoralising defeat in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The Hammers were beaten in an exhausting but thoroughly entertaining contest at the Brittania and will have been devastated to have succumbed to defeat just one round before a date with Wembley, as they also did in the Carling Cup.

Furthermore, Tottenham are seeking their fifth straight Premiership victory over West Ham at White Hart Lane and haven’t lost in the league, or any competitive fixture for that matter, at home to the Hammers for 13-years.

Tottenham Hotspur

It seems an age since Tottenham dumped AC Milan out of Europe, a piece of history which the players nor the fans will forget in a hurry. So it’s just as well that Harry Redknapp has enjoyed the company of his team for ten whole days without any competitive action, as all that excitement and euphoria may have boiled over had they of been in action shortly after. Harry has had some valuable time to calm everyone down and to focus on the next mammoth task at hand, which is to upset the apple cart by snatching a top-four berth at the expense of either Chelsea or Man City.

Revenge will also be on the agenda for Spurs who were beaten 1-0 in their most recent visit of Upton Park back in September. Since then, though, they have picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and lost only four of their following 22 in the league and are still very much in the hunt for those elusive Champions League spots. Chelsea are the team they currently have to catch and with the Blues not involved until the following day, Spurs have an ample opportunity right here, with this very fixture, to apply some pressure as victory over third-from-bottom West Ham would send them level on points with their London rivals.

Another positive spin on their recent time-out from first-team action is that they’ve had plenty of time to digest their disappointing draw with Wolves last time out in the league. Despite three stunning efforts from Jermaine Defoe (2) and Roman Pavlyuchenko, Spurs were held to a frustrating 3-3 draw at Molineux by a spirited Wolves side in a match where Wolves scored a last-gasp equaliser to really knock the stuffing out of the Spurs dressing room.

Further good news for Redknapp arrives in the form or returning stars. Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart featured against AC Milan nearly two weeks ago and will both be in contention for Saturday. Even Ledley King has available for selection. Just as well the big names are beginning to regain their peak fitness as the team are currently on a run of three games without winning, two in the league. Although it’s hardly crisis material, it’s damaging nonetheless for their top-four bid.

West Ham United

The comeback is on following impressive back-to-back wins either side of March over Liverpool (3-1) and Stoke City (3-0), while the goals have been arriving thick and fast as well. However, the Hammers still find themselves languishing in the bottom three while there is still the small matter of overcoming the disappointment of last week’s FA Cup Sixth Round defeat to Stoke City. This match will be their first since their Brittania demise, so it remains to be seen whether West Ham jump straight back on the horse or displays signs of an FA Cup hangover.

When you are down at the bottom fighting for your lives, it’s always a test of character. In recent weeks, West Ham have passed that examination with flying colours. Avram Grant’s side have lost only one of their last six in the league and, while they are still in the relegation zone, only their terrible goal difference is holding them back from a return to safe ground. A 3-0 whitewash of Stoke at Upton Park was their second on the spin following another hugely impressive and emphatic win over Liverpool (3-1) the previous week.

Apart from how comprehensive their recent triumphs in the league were, a lot of pundits have been just as impressed with the sheer amount of goals a previously stale and blunt Hammers team are now scoring. A disappointing one away to Stoke in the cup last weekend took their tally of goals for the last five games to a quite sublime 15, with striking duo Demba Ba and Carlton Cole enjoying a rich vein of form at the minute.

Nearly thirteen-years have passed since West Ham’s last league win at White Hart Lane, but that may not be one more important should they end their drought on Saturday. Every point counts when you’re down near the foot of the table and three from a trip to Tottenham really would be coveted, as Spurs haven’t made a habit of relinquishing points at home to the so called lesser sides of the division this season.

Match Prediction: Draw – 4.20 StanJames

Their resurgence in form is mighty impressive; just one loss in their last six league games but unbeaten in their previous three away contests as well, scoring 8 goals in the process. The forwards are playing with a new leash of life by the looks of things, although the real ring leader is captain Scott Parker. The talismanic Hammer has led by example with his exemplary work ethic, composure and vision on the ball but also his desire to bomb forward and take the game to opponents. Parker will be key at White Hart Lane in a match where Spurs are by no means formalities, especially not with West Ham in such prolific goalscoring form as they are right now.

West Ham’s semi-final loss in the FA Cup will have been a bitter blow however, so there are obvious question marks over their mental toughness. The latter factor is something Avram Grant needs to resolve, and quickly.

Tottenham have had a welcomed two-week break from first-team affairs and will undoubtedly be the fresher of the two sets of players, however their form of late is far from ideal – currently without a win in three and no longer bossing games like they used to – and so I believe they are vulnerable at the odds. Of course, it almost goes without saying that their extensive recuperation period as well as their wealth of attacking talent makes them a very attractive proposition on paper, but I’m someone who does generally look for weaknesses, chinks in someone’s armoury, when it comes to short-priced favourites and Tottenham’s chink could well be their recent Champions League draw with Real Madrid.

Some players, Rafael Van Der Vaart in particular, may have one eye now on that European date with Jose Mourinho’s charges and they may well pay the price for any mental complacency on Saturday in a contest where I do genuinely believe West Ham will cause them problems.

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals – 3.00 WilliamHill

Match Odds:

Tottenham Hotspur – 1.62 WilliamHill
Draw – 4.20 StanJames
West Ham United – 6.50 SkyBet

We are down to the final eight and although there have been some big name casualties along the way, we’re not on course to see a shock winner. However, there is the genuine possibility of seeing another surprise finalist, with several who are still standing unlikely to have been a popular betting selection in the early stages of the tournament. A lot does depend on the draw, which, to be fair, has been kind to the dark horses so far, as in the Quarter-Finals Arsenal and Manchester United were drawn together in a cracker of a contest which will whet the appetite of every neutral.

In fairness, whenever Arsenal and United come to loggerheads, there is a media frenzy. It’s an opportunity for Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson to renew their long-standing rivalry, but it could also prove a telling encounter between two of the more likelier teams for the league title – and the victor could land a decisive mental blow.

One man who will definitely cast an eye over Saturday’s tea-time fixture is City chief Roberto Mancini. The Italian will lead his team into battle against Championship side Reading the following day, The Royals having stunned Everton in the previous round when beating the Toffees 1-0 at Goodison Park. This, of course, being the same Reading side which dumped Liverpool out of last season’s competition in the Third Round with a 2-1 victory at Anfield. Will Brian McDermott’s men add Man City and Eastlands to their growing lists of scalps?

Then we have two all-Premiership ties, with Birmingham, the recently crowned Carling Cup champions after beating Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley, entertaining high-flying Bolton Wanderers at fortress St Andrews in the very first clash of the weekend. The Blues have never lifted the FA Cup in their history despite making two finals, whereas Bolton have won the competition no less than four times, their most recent back in 1958.

Stoke City have never even made an FA Cup final before, let alone lift the coveted trophy aloft, so Tony Pulis & Co have their sights set on making history and have been given the ample opportunity to do just that in the form of a quarter-final showdown with fellow top-flighters West Ham. However, the Hammers do have recent experience of an FA Cup final, not that they will want to reminisce  or anything, as they were agonisingly beaten by Liverpool on penalties back in 2006.

So there we have it, the line-up for the Quarter-Finals. The one thing we will say is that no tie is cut-and-dry, Manchester City included. The Citizens were only in action three days previous, making the arduous trip to Eastern Europe to tackle Dynamo Kiev of the Ukraine. Picking a few winners may prove a task-and-a-half,  though the lure of a Semi-Final appearance at Wembley may prove strong enough to ensure replays are kept to a minimum.

FA Cup; Quarter-Finals

Saturday, 12th March

12:45 (GMT) – Birmingham City V Bolton Wanderers
17:15 (GMT) – Manchester United V Arsenal

Sunday, 13th March

14:00 (GMT) – Stoke City V West Ham United
16:00 (GMT) – Manchester City V Reading

2010/2011 FA Cup betting:

Manchester United – 3.25 (9/4) PaddyPower
Manchester City – 3.50 (5/2) Boylesports
Arsenal – 4.50 (7/2) Bet365
Stoke City – 13.00 (12/1) SkyBet
Bolton Wanderers – 17.00 (16/1) Coral
Birmingham City – 17.00 (16/1) StanJames
West Ham United – 23.00 (22/1) StanJames
Reading – 67.00 (66/1) WilliamHill

More information:
Football Bet

Stoke City V West Ham United

Date & kick-off: Sunday, 13th March – 14:00 (GMT)
Venue: Brittania Stadium
TV Coverage: ITV1

Stoke City

- The Potters have never made it all the way to an FA Cup final, while their last appearance in the semi-finals was back in 1972.

- Tony Pulis doesn’t have any fresh concerns with regards to injured personnel, with Matthew Etherington back in the side after recovering from a persistent back problem.

- Stoke are currently unbeaten in their last six matches at the Brittania Stadium, winning four and drawing two.

- Over five years have passed since Stoke last tasted defeat at home in the FA Cup, the Potters unbeaten in their previous seven home ties, five of which were victories.

After being dumped out at this very stage in proceedings last season, Stoke are determined to go one better second time around as they bid to make their first ever appearance in an FA Cup final. Their passage then was far more difficult than their current one, which is perhaps a small omen for the Potters, that the tide may well be turning in their favour, as on Sunday, Stoke will tackle relegation-threatened West Ham at the Brittania in a tie they are seen as firm favourites to progress in despite losing 3-0 to the same outfit a week ago.

En route to a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge to Chelsea in the 2009/2010 FA Cup, Stoke recorded some stunning wins, which included handsome victories over both Arsenal and Manchester City. It has been a little more straightforward this time around, with the Potters having to overcome Cardiff City in the Third Round, with the help of a replay, as well as hard-fought wins away at Wolves (0-1) and at home to Brighton (3-0). Favourable would be one way of describing their draw so far, and that’s exactly how we view their Sixth Round assignment against the Hammers, albeit against an improving East London outfit.

February 2006 was the last time Stoke were defeated in a home FA Cup encounter, winning five of their previous seven ties at the Brittania. Their record on their own turf in the league isn’t half-bad either, winning seven and losing just four of fourteen this season. So it’s hardly surprising that myself and so many others rate their chances of going one better than last season.

However, the Potters have lacked a bit of consistency in recent weeks, with their 3-0 reverse at Upton Park against West Ham – a match the Potters were completely out-played in – stretching their winless to three games, although, once again we’re straight back to their imperious record at home, having gone their last six matches unbeaten inside what has become fortress Brittania, recording five wins and two draws. Tony Pulis will also be boosted by the return to fitness of impressive winger Matthew Etherington.

To win the 2010/2011 FA Cup – 13.00 (12/1) SkyBet

West Ham United

- The Hammers have made five FA Cup final appearances during their time, the most recent in 2006 when losing to Liverpool on penalties, winning the competition three times.

- A 3-0 defeat of Stoke last Saturday was West Ham’s third consecutive win in all competitions, their longest winning sequence for over three years.

- Avram Grant is still without the services of Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison, Kieron Dyer and Robbie Keane although midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has returned with a bang, scoring in two of his last three starts.

- Prolific isn’t normally a word you associate with one of Avram Grant’s teams, however the Hammers have now racked up an impressive tally of goals in a short space of time, 14 from their last 4.

I know I’ve said this on virtually every occasion the Hammers have been involved in cup competition this season, but they really have come on leaps and bounds outside of the Premier League under Avram Grant, the Israeli who is bidding for a second successive FA Cup final after guiding cash-strapped Portsmouth to last season’s show-piece.

But it isn’t as though this particular club doesn’t have previous with the competition, having lifted the FA Cup on three occasions, as well as coming within a penalty shoot-out defeat of winning the 2005/2006 edition only to lose out to Liverpool, so it would be fair to say that West Ham’s FA Cup credentials dwarf that of their Sixth Round rivals, who have never made a final, let alone lift the most prestigious domestic cup in club football.

West Ham manager Avram Grant couldn’t of wished for a richer vein of form to carry into Sunday’s daunting clash at the Brittania, where his men battled gamely earlier in the season to earn a hard-fought yet thoroughly deserved point during a league encounter. The Hammers are currently enjoying their best run of form in over three years, a run which fittingly climaxed last weekend with an emphatic 3-0 defeat of Stoke at Upton Park. That was their third win on the spin, following up impressive victories over Burnley in the Fifth Round but also Liverpool, beating a then in-form Reds side impressively, as well as comprehensively, 3-1.

As impressive as Grant’s men have been of late, it’s important we don’t get too ahead of ourselves, as that their sparkling form has centred around Upton Park, where they have scored 11 of their 14 goals in four games. It’s a different story on the road however, with a 3-1 victory away at Blackpool their only away win in five. But the simple fact they’ve relocated the goal trail, and emphatically so, is a massive plus, and with centre-back duo Matthew Upson and James Tomkins back from injury to hopefully counter Stoke’s aerial prowess, the Hammers are by no means a forlorn hope, despite how formidable the Potters are in general at home.

To win the 2010/2011 FA Cup – 23.00 (22/1) StanJames

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.50 (12/5) BetFred

So what does happen when fire meets fire, as Stoke are generally red-hot at the Brittania while West Ham are quite simply on fire at the minute?

Rarely do the Potters fail to stamp their mark on a home fixture, with their robust, physical nature making them one of the toughest nuts to crack. They are a nuisance from set-plays, but Pulis also has width in the form of Matty Etherington and Jermaine Pennant that ensures the aerial threat through John Carew, Kenwyn Jones and Jonathan Walters stretches far further than the odd set-piece.

West Ham, though, well there’s an aurora about them right now, with the team in fine form. Suddenly, it’s all beginning to fall into lace for Avram Grant, who now has the reigns of a team which have not only won its previous three fixtures, albeit back in East London, but have also been slamming home the goals. The two entwined instils so much confidence and belief into a dressing room.

This is definitely the most intriguing match-up of the four FA Cup encounters this weekend, even if it doesn’t look all that glamorous on paper. Had this been at Upton Park, where West Ham spanked Stoke 3-0 barely a week ago, then we would have slapped our money on another Hammers victory, but the Brittania factor does level the playing field. So another hard-fought draw for West Ham it is, with the pair playing out a 1-1 stalemate back in September when the two sides clashed in the Premier League.

Value Bet: Thomas Hitzlsperger to Score – 6.75 (23/4) Unibet

The German has spent much of the season on the sidelines but has announced his return to first-team football with aplomb, scoring on his début in the Fifth Round against Burnley, a stunning effort that was as well, and also again just last weekend in the 3-0 rout of Stoke at Upton Park. He has a hammer of a let-foot on him and with the Stoke defence usually so well organised, it may take a moment of brilliance to break open the deadlock. Step up ‘Der Hammer’!

Match Odds:

Stoke City – 2.20 (6/5) Bet365
Draw – 3.50 (5/2) BetFred
West Ham United – 3.60 (13/5) PaddyPower

More information:
Soccer Bet

West Ham United V Stoke City

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 5th March – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Upton Park

West Ham United

Those bubble-blowing Hammers are having the time of their life’s at the minute.

Avram Grant’s men were sensational last weekend when despatching of Liverpool in such a resounding manner, scoring three goals in a 3-1 triumph, with the only blemish being Robert Green’s failure to keep a clean sheet in a match where he and the defence certainly deserved one.

That was also their second successive win on the spin following their 5-1 demolition job of Burnley in the FA Cup earlier that week, and another on Sunday, when they entertain a Stoke side who haven’t travelled particularly well all season, would take their tally of wins to three in a row, what would be their longest winning streak in just over a year.

In terms of their overall performance against Liverpool last weekend, it was vintage West Ham. I don’t remember watching a finer display from the Hammers all season. You couldn’t help but be impressed with so many facets of their game, from their surprisingly well-organised defending to the manner in which their midfield didn’t just control the game, but dictated the tempo of the match and took it to a team many, including myself, thought would be too strong for Avram Grant’s side. And even when Robert Green was pressed into action, which was sparingly, he shown his class with a couple of outstanding stops.

It was also of little surprise to see Scott Parker lead by example, the club captain opening the scoring with a delightful chip which somehow evaded Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal to send West Ham on their way to what would turn out to be a comprehensive victory. What was also eye-catching, and has been for a little while now, is the scoring form of their forwards. Demba Ba headed home his third league goal in two games while Carlton Cole now has four goals under his belt in as many games, with the confidence clearly oozing out of their forward department at the minute.

After two brutal displays, everyone now expects West Ham to go from strength to strength. In fairness, they need to, as their situation, as far as avoiding the drop is concerned, still doesn’t look healthy, at least it could be a whole lot better. The Hammers are still occupying one of three relegation berths, but that would all change with a third successive win on Saturday. So the incentive is there for Avram Grant’s men, but they must not take anything for granted as Stoke, while they may arrive with a dire away record, having lost their last six away fixtures on the spin, were 1-0 winners when the two sides last clashed at Upton Park in the league.

Stoke City

There aren’t too many punters out there nowadays who even consider Stoke City a candidate for relegation, but Tony Pulis is taking nothing for granted and has even set his team a ten-point target which they must complete before the season does eventually come to its conclusion in May. That should be a simple enough task for a side who have already collected 34 points from 28 games and reside in a very healthy 10th position, but their away form is abysmal to say the least and is potentially harmful to their bid of avoiding the drop for a third successive season.

Because of their recent inability to register any points on the road, having lost their last five away league games, it would appear the pressure is beginning to mount when it boils down to obtaining maximum spoils at the Brittania, where the Potters invariably play their best football and collect the vast majority of their points.

Last Monday, Stoke dropped two potentially costly points when drawing 1-1 with struggling West Brom. A disappointing result which was compounded by the fact West Brom’s goal didn’t just come late on, in the 87th minute, but that it was also clearly offside. Perhaps Stoke’s luck is starting to run dry, too. The latter, combined with their dismal away form, could have drastic consequences unless the Potters buck up their ideas, and fast, starting with their forthcoming trip to East London to tackle second-from-bottom West Ham.

On their last visit to Upton Park, Stoke secured maximum points courtesy of a wonderful solo effort from Ricardo Fuller. What Tony Pulis would do for another moment of brilliance like that from one of his attackers. Only two of his forwards have fired since the turn of the year, and even they only have one goal apiece. And as far as scoring goals away from home goes, that’s been a non-starter since 2011 burst into life. In five away league fixtures in 2011, only Rory Delap has found the back of the net – the Potters having racked up 410 minutes without scoring a single goal away from home in the Premier League.

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FORM & STATISTICS

West Ham United

Last 5 Matches

PL: West Ham 3-1 Liverpool
FA: West Ham 5-1 Burnley
PL: West Brom 3-3 West Ham
PL: West Ham 0-1 Birmingham
PL: Blackpool 1-3 West Ham

2010/2011 League Statistics

League Position: 19th
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-10-12 (Home: 4-4-6)
Goal Difference: 33-49 (Home: 17-21)
Form: DWLDW (Home: DWLLW)
Top Scorer: Frederic Piquionne (6)

- The Hammers are seeking their third successive win in all competitions, a feat they last achieved back on January 28th, 2009.

- West Ham have now scored exactly 3 goals in three of their last four games.

- Striker Carlton Cole now has four goals in his last three games.

Stoke City

Last 5 Matches

PL: Stoke 1-1 West Brom
PL: Arsenal 1-0 Stoke
FA: Stoke 3-0 Brighton
PL: Birmingham 1-0 Stoke
PL: Stoke 3-2 Sunderland

2010/2011 League Statistics

League Position: 10th
Win-Draw-Lose: 10-4-12 (Away: 3-1-10)
Goal Difference: 32-35 (Away: 12-20)
Form: LWLLD (Away: LLLLL)
Top Scorer: Roberth Huth (6)

- Stoke have lost their previous six away matches in all competitions, five in the Premier League, failing to even score in the last four.

- The Potters haven’t scored in seven of their fourteen away league games this season, failing to score in half of their away assignments thus far.

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HEAD-TO-HEAD

Premier League

West Ham wins: 2
Draws: 1
Stoke City wins: 2

Recent Meetings (Premier League ONLY)

2010/2011: Stoke 1-1 West Ham
2009/2010: West Ham 0-1 Stoke
2009/2010: Stoke 2-1 West Ham
2008/2009: Stoke 0-1 West Ham
2008/2009: West Ham 2-1 Stoke

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West Ham United V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 27th February – 13:30 (GMT)
Venue: Upton Park
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

West Ham United

Since their heroics at The Hawthorns away to West Bromwich Albion in the league, West Ham have gone on to record an overwhelming victory over Championship side Burnley in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup as the club continue to overachieve in the domestic cups under Avram Grant.

The Hammers had to claw back a 3-0 deficit at half-time for the very first time in the Premier League when West Brom blew them out of the water in their most recent league encounter two weeks ago, but their stunning second-half comeback, which saw Demba Ba score twice and Carlton Cole also chip in with a goal to level the score at 3-3, provided a platform for Grant’s men as they would later go on to record an emphatic 5-1 victory over Burnley to seal a place in the Last-8 of the FA Cup – the club now within touching distance of those Wembley Semi-Finals.

Although they have been very impressive in the cups this season, it is Premiership survival the club are after and at the present time, Avram Grant isn’t on course to steer the Hammers to safety. Currently, with a little over two-thirds of the season gone, West Ham still find themselves inside the bottom three, where they have spent the vast majority of the season, and a dismal run of form in the league which has seen Grant’s men record just one win from their last six matches means safety is now three-points away. Even an unlikely win on Sunday may not be enough to life the Hammers away from the dreaded drop zone, although they could find themselves rock-bottom come kick-off should Wolves avoid defeat at home to Blackpool on Saturday.

Keeping his main men fit could yet have a large say on their league fate, with Grant without a number of key men for Sunday. Centre-back Matthew Upson is rumoured to be out for the remainder of the season with an achilles problem, while Robbie Keane won’t be back in action for a good couple of weeks. One man capable of single-handily staving off relegation is club captain Scott Parker, who gave a rousing half-time speech away to West Brom in their last league outing, inspiring his side to a stunning 3-3 draw. There were rumours that the West Ham board were considering ditching Avram Grant as manager back in January. Perhaps they should make it an inside job and install Parker as player/manager?

As far as West Ham’s record against the Reds goes, they’ve won only one of the previous 17 meetings at Upton Park and are aiming to avoid their fifth successive defeat to Liverpool in the league. They were also beaten comprehensively at Anfield earlier in the season 3-0.

Liverpool

Although it would appear mission improbable, Liverpool are refusing to rule themselves out of the race for a top-four finish – the club desperately seeking a return to Champions League football – and the Reds have a glorious opportunity this weekend to at least reduce the deficit, which currently stands at a hefty ten-points, as neither Chelsea or Tottenham have Premiership commitments this weekend meaning Liverpool could at least apply some pressure, which is the best they can do at the minute.

Bottom-of-the-league they are but West Ham will be no pushovers on Sunday, especially not with a capacity Upton Park crowd behind them. And to complicate matters further for Kenny Dalglish, his players were put through their paces just three days ago by Sparta Prague in the Europa League. In fact, were it not for a late Dirk Kuyt goal, Liverpool would have had to play another 30 minutes, a factor I’m sure Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, was all to aware of. As it is, though, it was still an exhausting encounter and it remains to be seen just how much Thursday’s exertions has taken out of the players and whether fatigue comes into play late on.

Above all else, regardless of how disappointing their performance was in certain areas, it was vitally important that Liverpool bounced back to winning ways as soon as possible following their surprise 1-1 draw with Wigan last time out in the league. The latter result ended a five-match winning sequence in the league for Kenny Dalglish’s side, the Reds unbeaten in all competition since Dalglish’s opening game in charge away to Man Utd in the Third Round of the FA Cup, so if they could locate the winning track once more then they will have built up some steam ahead of next Sunday’s heavyweight clash with arch-rivals Manchester United on Merseyside.

Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson and Luis Suarez were just some of the notable absentee’s on Thursday night who could come straight into the starting XI for the trip to Upton Park, in a fixture Liverpool have lost just once in 17 visits to East London and have also won the previous four league meetings with the Hammers, home and away. However, Andy Carroll won’t make his début for the club despite increasing speculation that the former Newcastle forward, who has 11 league goals for the season, is nearing a return to full fitness following a persistent thigh problem, while full-back Martin Kelly has also emerged as a doubt after he was substituted at half-time on Thursday as a precaution.

Liverpool have only won three away matches all season but do have a lot going for them heading down to London. For starters, their record with West Ham, and at Upton Park, is very good but so is their recent form, having gone their last eight matches in all competitions without defeat, six of those coming in the league, while they’re also on the verge of notching up a third successive away win, a feat they last achieved 17th May, 2009.

Recent Form

West Ham United

FA Cup: West Ham 5-1 Burnley
Premier League: West Brom 3-3 West Ham
Premier League: West Ham 0-1 Birmingham
Premier League: Blackpool 1-3 West Ham
FA Cup: West Ham 3-2 Nottingham Forest

Liverpool

Europa League: Liverpool 1-0 Sparta Prague
Europa League: Sparta Prague 0-0 Liverpool
Premier League: Liverpool 1-1 Wigan
Premier League: Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
Premier League: Liverpool 2-0 Stoke

2010/2011 Premier League Statistics

West Ham United

League Position: 19th
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-10-12 (Home: 3-4-6)
Goal Difference: 30-48 (Home: 14-20)
Form: LDWLD (Home: LDWLL)
Top Scorer: Frederic Piquionne (6)

Liverpool

League Position: 6th
Win-Draw-Lose: 11-6-10 (Away: 3-2-8)
Goal Difference: 35-32 (Away: 12-21)
Form: WWWWL (Away: LLLWW)
Top Scorer: Raul Meireles (5)

Premier League Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons)

2010/2011: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham
2009/2010: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham
2009/2010: West Ham 2-3 Liverpool
2008/2009: West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
2008/2009: Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
2007/2008: Liverpool 4-0 West Ham
2007/2008: West Ham 1-0 Liverpool
2006/2007: West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
2006/2007: Liverpool 2-1 West Ham

Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Liverpool to WIN – 2.25 WilliamHill

The work Kenny Dalglish has done at Liverpool since taking charge at the beginning of the year has been nothing short of miraculous, guiding the club from the lower depths of the league to mid-table respectability, possibly even leading the club back into Europe. He, nor the players, have given up the ghost of a top-four finish just yet, although I think we can safely presume they won’t be plying their trade in the Champions League next season. Nevertheless, they’ve built up some sizeable momentum under the Scot’s watch, with Liverpool unbeaten in eight matches in all comps, including five wins in the league, two of which were away from home – that’s twice as many as Roy Hodgson managed during the whole of the first half of the season, so their credentials are strong heading into Sunday’s contest.

Liverpool are favourites and that’s probably about right. They bring with them a wealth of quality, some of which is world-class, while their recent form is impeccable. However, their opponents will be no pushovers on Sunday, albeit the Hammers residing down in 19th. West Ham are fighting for their lives down near the foot of the table, some perhaps even playing for their careers, so there will be no shortage of incentives or motivation for the lowly Hammers.

A lot does depend on whether Liverpool welcome back some key players, the likes of Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard, but even then I reckon it will be a difficult outing for the Reds. If the big guns do turn up then it should be a narrow away win, so Liverpool get a tentative vote.

Value Bet: Liverpool to WIN by 1 Goal (Winning Margin) – 4.00 Bet365

Match Odds:

West Ham United – 3.75 Boylesports
Draw – 3.40 SkyBet
Liverpool – 2.25 WilliamHill

More information:
Football tips

West Bromwich Albion V West Ham United

Saturday, 15th February – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: The Hawthorns

It came as a surprise, although you could also argue that the club had some justification in their ruthless, business-like decision to axe Roberto Di Matteo on the back of a dismal stretch of form which has seen West Brom win just one of their last nine games in the Premier League. So how will a Matteo-less Baggies cope against bottom-of-the league West Ham?

Hammers boss Avram Grant must be counting his lucky stars that he’s still in a job and his former opposite number isn’t, as the Italian had fared a great deal better than the Israeli considering the latter has enjoyed a better wealth of resources as well as boast a better array of players. Grant will also be disgruntled that those shoots of revival were trampled on last Sunday, as Birmingham came to town and left Upton Park with a hard-fought 1-0 victory which saw the Bubble-Blowing Hammers return to the basement of the Premier League, where they’ve spent much of the season.

So who will rein supreme in this latest relegation six-pointer? Neither boast particularly strong claims so it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see punters take chunks out of the price on the draw.

Match Odds:

West Brom – 2.00 Coral (General)
Draw – 3.75 VictorChandler
West Ham – 4.00 Bet365

West Bromwich Albion

The club’s sudden decision to part ways with former Baggies chief Roberto Di Matteo has thrust West Brom into the limelight, as the news came as a shock to everyone and even took the LMA (League Managers Association) by surprise. Fifteen months loyal service and promotion to the most watched league on the planet clearly didn’t merit the respect it deserved as the Italian was unfairly given his marching orders. In the meantime, the show must go on and the club have now entrusted the youngest ever manager in Premier League history, Michael Appelton, 35, with the immediate responsibility of steering West Bromwich Albion away from the relegation zone until a full-time replacement is found.

Despite having never managed a professional football club in his life, Michael Appelton has not only been left with the unenviable task of keeping West Brom afloat and above the relegation zone, he’s also extremely keen on landing the job full-time. The club, meanwhile, aren’t as enthusiastic and have quickly been linked with the likes of Chris Hughton and Roy Hodgson, managers who were shown the door by fellow Premiership outfits earlier in the season but have a wealth of experience at all levels of the game compared to the current stand-in boss.

You never know, especially in the crazy world that is the Barclay’s Premier League. A couple of quick-fire wins and the league’s youngest ever manager may well find himself considered a strong candidate for the full-time position, although winning isn’t something the Baggies do a lot of in fairness. Roberto Di Matteo picked up seven in all during his brief spell in the top-flight, which is two more than Avram Grant has conjured with relegation rivals West Ham, so that clearly wasn’t a sackable offence. What was, however, was one solitary win in a little over two months.

From the beginning of December, West Brom mustered just one win from nine games, seven of those culminating in defeats, and, in the end, the club felt the team’s current plight was too alarming to simply brush under the carpet and ignore. Understandable reasoning I suppose, although, what I didn’t agree with was the timing. Why sack a manager who has established an understanding with the team immediately before a crunch game with one of your fiercest rivals for survival? Why leave the team hanging in the lurch with a manager who has no experience of management at any professional level ahead of a match they are more than capable of winning? It just doesn’t make any sense. With Di Matteo at the helm, I would have fancied the Baggies to get a result from an unquestionably glorious fixture against basement occupants West Ham. Now I’m not so sure, despite the Baggies collecting four points from their previous two home league games (West Brom 3-2 Blackpool & West Brom 2-2 Wigan Athletic).

West Ham United

After seeing his counterpart leave through the exit door earlier in the week, it wasn’t the biggest surprise in the world to see Avram Grant quickly come to the defence of Roberto Di Matteo; after all, the Israeli is a manager under immense pressure to restore West Ham’s Premiership status and has been constantly been linked with the sack himself. Barely a week has gone by without someone suggesting the club’s trigger-happy owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, are considering Grant’s future as manager, so if anyone is fit to hand out advice or lament what was a terrible decision, Grant’s the man.

While matters on the pitch take precedent over anything else, Grant may well be in for a reprieve on Friday should the Olympic Park legacy Company confirm what has been the worst kept secret for the best part of 48 hours. The reports suggest West Ham have beaten London rivals Tottenham to the vacant Olympic Stadium, or at least it will be vacant after the 2012 Olympic games. The club’s owners have been embroiled in a war of words with the Spurs representatives for some time now, so news that West Ham will be moving into a new home in 2012 should keep the two meddling David’s satisfied and off Grant’s back, in the meantime at least.

To his credit, Grant has performed admirably under testing circumstances; mass amounts of scrutiny from the club’s own supporters on match days, intense media speculation regarding his future and an obvious lack of faith from his bosses. However, the club did finally came to his aid in the end and Grant wasted little time bolstering his ranks with a couple of interesting January additions. Wayne Bridge, Gary O’Neill and Robbie Keane were all brought in to reinforce what was a threadbare squad. Players of a Premiership calibre were brought in and now there’s some genuine competition for places. All of a sudden, the likes of Carlton Cole and Victor Obinna have come out of their shells and began performing again, the former boasting five goals in his last three games.

Recent winter reinforcements had done the trick, with the Hammers grounding out a creditable 2-2 draw at Everton last month before securing back-to-back wins over Nottingham Forest (3-2) in the FA Cup and Blackpool (1-3) in the league, the latter away from home as well. Goals were flying in, and that’s not like the Hammers. However, the good times didn’t last long as a wasteful performance from Avram Grant’s men saw them spurn a fabulous opportunity to leap out of the bottom three only to make a distasteful return to the foot of the table. Fortunately, a trip to The Hawthorns to face a now managerless West Brom side is their chance to redeem themselves, as a win would be enough for the Hammers to leapfrog the Baggies and possibly spend the forthcoming week on safe ground for a change.

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Recent Form (Last 5)

West Brom

Premiership: Manchester City 3-0 West Brom
Premiership: West Brom 2-2 Wigan Athletic
Premiership: Blackburn Rovers 2-0 West Brom
Premiership: West Brom 3-2 Blackpool
FA Cup: Reading 1-0 West Brom

West Ham

Premiership: West Ham 0-1 Birmingham City
Premiership: Blackpool 1-3 West Ham
FA Cup: West Ham 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham
Premiership: Everton 2-2 West Ham

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2010/2011 Premiership Statistics

West Brom

League Position: 17th
Win-Draw-Lose: 7-5-13 (Home: 5-3-4)
Goal Difference: 31-48 (Home: 18-19)
Form: LWLDL (Home: WLLWD)
Top Scorer: Peter Odemwingie (9)

West Ham

League Position: 20th
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-9-12 (Away: 2-5-6)
Goal Difference: 27-45 (Away: 13-25)
Form: LLDWL (Away: DWLDW)
Top Scorer: Frederic Piquionne (6)

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Head-to-Head (Premiership: Last 5 Seasons)

2010/2011: West Ham 2-2 West Brom

2008/2009: West Ham 0-0 West Brom
2008/2009: West Brom 3-2 West Ham

2005/2006: West Brom 0-1 West Ham
2005/2006: West Ham 1-0 West Brom

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West Ham United V Birmingham City

Sunday, 6th February – 13:30 (GMT)
Venue: Upton Park
TV coverage: Sky Sports HD1

West Ham United

Few managers have had more on their plate this season than Avram Grant, the Israeli having to put up with constant speculation in the media surrounding his future as West Ham manager as his was continually undermined by the club’s board. David Gold and David Sullivan, the co-owners of West Ham United FC, did finally hand the Israeli the vote of confidence he was in desperate need of and with the circus now having moved on, the club are beginning to reap instant benefits.

A combination of Grant and the players finally knowing where they stand along with a few fresh faces has revitalised the West Ham ranks, not least kick-started a mid-season revival which could turn out to be the turning point in their season. Among those who were brought in at the end of January was Robbie Keane, one of the Premier League’s greatest ever goal-getters, and the Republic of Ireland forward didn’t take long to make his presence felt. Keane scored West Ham’s second as the Hammers secured only their second away win of the season at Blackpool, Victor Obinna also popping up with a brace as Grant celebrated a 3-1 victory which lift his team off the bottom of the league. 

Unfortunately, despite how well they performed at Bloomfield Road against a Blackpool side who weren’t entirely at the races, the win wasn’t enough to lift the Hammers out of the relegation zone. A second successive win, however, would certainly do the trick and who better to do so against than Birmingham City, the team which agonisingly beat West Ham 4-3 on aggregate in the Semi-Final of the Carling Cup? Because of this very notion, they’ll be that extra bit of fire in their bellies, especially as victory over the Blues would relegate the Midlanders into the bottom three.

Avram Grant firmly believes that his team has turned a corner after collecting four points from their last two league games, and although his comments may seem a little hasty and careless, we believe the glum Israeli maybe on to something. We have to admit, we still aren’t overly keen on their defence, which is the worst in the entire Premier League, however Grant now has a potent forward-line which does have goals in it. Robbie Keane is a high-class player despite his age, Frederic Piquionne has been their only really regular source of goals this season with six to his name, while only last season Carlton Cole was attracting plenty of interest from some big clubs. But Victor Obinna really has come into his own in recent weeks, his two-goal haul on Wednesday – His second an absolute stunner – was his fifth in two games following his hat-trick last weekend in the FA Cup.

Within the blink of an eye, West Ham suddenly seem a different proposition. A team playing with far more confidence but with a great deal more belief to go with it. They firmly believe they can now dig themselves out of trouble, and I’m beginning to think so too. Of course, it is early days and there are still a number of hurdles that will trouble them, but there have been encouraging signs of late that the Hammers are ready to blast their way out of trouble.

Birmingham City

Alex McLeish, who is an under-fire Birmingham manager, may feel he holds all the aces after it was he who guided his team to the final of the Carling Cup at the expense of their relegation rivals West Ham. Ironically, though, it was the Scot who went into the deciding second leg under intense pressure following reports that the Birmingham board were willing to offload the former Scotland manager had he not delivered a dream date with Wembley. Whether those reports, or rumours, were true remains to be seen, however it doesn’t take a genius to come to the conclusion that Alex McLeish is a manager under immense pressure to bring home the bacon in the Premier League, a feat he has achieved just four times all season and just once in his last nine attempts.

As wins have come at a premium, McLeish’s stock has fallen dramatically. The 52-year old performed miracles last season when guiding the Midlands outfit to a top-ten finish, but it would appear the board aren’t interested in what the current Birmingham chief achieved last term but only his performance as manager in the present term, which, in fairness, hasn’t been great. The Scot has overseen a dire league campaign which has seen the Blues registered a meagre 24 points from a possible 69; their tally of four victories is the joint-lowest in the top-flight while only Wigan has scored fewer goals although no team has created fewer chances than a Birmingham side who have struggled to reach the heights they sailed last season.

It is unlikely that McLeish will be sacked before February 27th, the date of the Carling Cup final, though his position will become untenable should his team continue along their winless path. Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City at St Andrews was actually a creditable result, especially as in their last league encounter with a Manchester club they were hammered 5-0, losing at Old Trafford to Manchester United two weeks ago. The Blues are also through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup as well, but it’s survival in the Premier League which is of utmost concern and at this moment in time, Alex McLeish’s side aren’t picking up sufficient points, nor shaping as though a win is just around the corner, to suggest they are going to fend off the relegation zone for too much longer. In the meantime, goal difference is the difference between Birmingham City occupying safe ground of a relegation spot – defeat at Upton Park on Sunday would result in another unpleasant spell inside the bottom three.

The Birmingham manager’s cause isn’t helped by a number of unavailable players, Obafemi Martins being one of those. The on-loan Nigerian still awaits his Visa and is highly unlikely to receive one before Sunday, while Barry Ferguson, Cameron Jerome and Roger Johnson are all doubts. Curtis Davies may start his first match for the Blues since joining from Aston Villa.

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Recent Form (Last 5)

West Ham United

Premiership: Blackpool 1-3 West Ham United
FA Cup: West Ham United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham United
Premiership: Everton 2-2 West Ham United
Premiership: West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal

Birmingham City

Premiership: Birmingham City 2-2 West Ham United
FA Cup: Birmingham City 3-2 Coventry City
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham United
Premiership: Manchester United 5-0 Birmingham City
Premiership: Birmingham City 1-1 Aston Villa

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2010/2011 Premiership Statistics

West Ham United

League Position: 18th
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-9-11 (Home: 3-4-5)
Goal Difference: 27-44 (Home: 14-19)
Top Scorer: Frederic Piquionne (6)
Form: WLLDW (Home: WLDWL)

Birmingham City

League Position: 17th
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-12-7 (Away: 1-5-5)
Goal Difference: 23-33 (Away: 11-20)
Top Scorer: Craig Gardner (5)
Form: LWDLD (Away: DDLWL)

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Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons):

2010/2011: Birmingham City 2-2 West Ham United

2009/2010: West Ham United 2-0 Birmingham City
2009/2010: Birmingham City 1-0 West Ham United

2007/2008: West Ham United 1-1 Birmingham City
2007/2008: Birmingham City 0-1 West Ham United

2005/2006: West Ham United 3-0 Birmingham City
2005/2006: Birmingham City 1-2 West Ham United

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Match Prediction: West Ham United to WIN – 2.10 WilliamHill

I do like West Ham’s chances on Sunday, in what is a definite relegation six-pointer, however their odds aren’t great and while I will side with Avram Grant’s improving Hammers, I wouldn’t write off Birmingham’s chances of grounding out a result at Upton Park.

The extra fire-power at West Ham will be a massive lure for punters, as it is for me. There is no an abundance of goals in this Hammers side, which is in stark contrast to the one at the start of the season, and with their tails wagging following their impressive 3-1 victory away at Blackpool on Wednesday, are difficult to overlook.

Defensively, I would still rate Birmingham as one of the best in the Premier League, so they are certainly capable of frustrating the hosts. They too recorded a morale boosting result in midweek, holding Man City to a 2-2 draw at St Andrews. Their form away from home is, however, alarming having won just once on their travels all season. The fact they were also leathered 5-0 by Manchester United in their most recent away outing only adds to the growing list of worrying negatives for Birmingham, who are a definite no-go at the present time, in my opinion.

Value Bet: Victor Obinna to Score – 3.60 Unibet

After five goals in his last two appearances, including a hat-trick in the FA Cup, Victor Obinna is playing like a player reborn. Full of confidence, no longer afraid to have a pop from distance, the Nigerian is worth a dabble in the scorer markets.

Match Odds:

West Ham United – 2.10 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.50 Bet365
Birmingham City – 4.00 StanJames

Blackpool V West Ham United

Wednesday, 2nd February – 20:00 (GMT)
Venue: Bloomfield Road

Blackpool

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway was delighted to retain the services of influential midfielder Charlie Adam until at least the end of the season, despite the Scotland international desperately seeking a move during the January window. A weak bid from Liverpool and a last-ditch effort from Tottenham wasn’t enough to prize Adam away from Bloomfield Road, and although the former Rangers outcast was devastated that no move materialized, the Blackpool skipper expressed that he remained fully committed to the club’s survival cause and that he would put his January heartache aside for the benefit of Blackpool FC – An admirable act from a player who deserves his dream move.

As Ian Holloway would openly tell you, Blackpool are ecstatic the January transfer window is closed and that finally there will be no more distractions as the club unite to leap the last few obstacles that remain in their bid to avoid relegation. Realistically, the Tangerines require only twelve more points, the equivalent of four victories, to secure survival and reach that magic 40-point milestone. It all seems straightforward enough, especially as only Birmingham City have more fixtures to contest in the second part of the season than Blackpool. However, I’m sure the doubters would have leaped out of the woodwork had Charlie Adam left in January, such has been the influence the midfielder has had in Blackpool’s maiden season in the Barclay’s Premier League.

Despite the elation of bidding fare well to January, and how much the club despised the latest transfer window, Blackpool still made more of it than most. No less than six players were brought in during January to bolster Ian Holloway’s ranks. James Beattie, Sergei Kornilenko and Jason Puncheon were all brought in to bolster Holloway’s offensive options, while the acquisition of Andy Reid appeared a direct replacement for the seemingly out-of-the-door Charlie Adam. All the aforementioned players could feature on Wednesday, so it should be a capacity crowd at Bloomfield Road as fans look to get their first glimpses of Holloway’s latest bargain buys.

As mentioned a little earlier, Blackpool have plenty of games left in order to acquire those elusive 12 points. Between now and the end of the season, Ian Holloway will lead his troops into battle on no less than 15 occasions, and on each occasion with the same collective objective: To clinch all three points. Some match days will be tougher than others, there are even half-a-dozen where points are unlikely to fall their way, so when you see a fixture like this – Blackpool at home against bottom-of-the-league West Ham – you know the manager will be drilling it into his players just how significant a game this is. Blackpool always give their all, but they’ll be working that little bit more on Wednesday night in a match they know full well they can ill afford not to win, let alone lose.

West Ham United

After finally receiving what appeared a concrete vote of confidence from the club’s owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, Avram Grant was allowed to get down to business without the distraction of not knowing when the bullet would arrive. But instead of flirting with potential managers, the owners decided to back up their current manager by handing him the necessary resources to dig the club out of the mess they find themselves in, which is a dire situation with regards to the Premier League and no longer boasting the security net of an exciting run in the Carling Cup – The Hammers eliminated at the Semi-Final stage by Birmingham City on aggregate seven days ago.

Grant didn’t waste much time in going to town with the club’s credit card, digging deep to acquire the services of Wayne Bridge, who has already made several appearances for the club on loan from Man City, Gary O’Neill, Robbie Keane and Demba Ba, the former three all on loan deals. In fairness, all four could turn out to be shrewd signings by the Israeli, though all four also arrive with whacking great wage packets which should the club fail in their bid to secure Premiership football for the next calender year, could have major repercussions on top of an already growing mountain of debt.

We expect Grant to throw caution to the wind on Wednesday night, with Robbie Kean set to make his début as Wayne Bridge and Gary O’Neill continue their gelling process with the rest of the Hammers pack. Demba Ba has fitness issues and is unlikely to start, though it’s interesting to see just how much fire-power Avram Grant now has at his disposal. Frederic Piquionne has scored some crucial goals this season and is the team’s leading scorer in the league. Carlton Cole has also chipped in with a couple while Victor Obinna slammed home a hat-trick at the weekend as West Ham saw off a spirited Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup to progress into the Fifth Round. We all know Robbie Keane is a talented forward, one of the league’s greatest ever goal-getters, although the Republic of Ireland isn’t getting any younger and hasn’t played an awful lot of football this season.

Suddenly, the fact the team have plundered just 24 goals in the league all season isn’t as alarming as it was heading into Christmas, even though the club are still rooted to the bottom of the Barclay’s Premier League, as they were a month ago. If only Grant reinforced his leaky defence, one which has shipped ten goals in its last four matches, West Ham would look a far more alluring bet on paper to defy the drop, something which looked inevitable at Christmas but is now seemingly back in West Ham’s own hands. But if this new-look forward line can start firing from the word ‘go, starting at Blackpool in what is a stand-out fixture for them – few games will be as golden in terms of the winnable factor than this trip to Bloomfield Road, then the mist may descend from Upton Park, as a win on Wednesday has the ability to lift the Hammers out of the  relegation zone.

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Last 5 Results

Blackpool

Premiership: Blackpool 2-3 Manchester United
Premiership: Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland
Premiership: West Brom 3-2 Blackpool
Premiership: Blackpool 2-1 Liverpool
FA Cup: Southampton 2-0 Blackpool

West Ham United

FA Cup: West Ham United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
Carling Cup: Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham United (after Extra-Time)
Premiership: Everton 2-2 West Ham United
Premiership: West Ham United 0-3 Arsenal
Carling Cup: West Ham United 2-1 Birmingham City

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2010/2011 Premiership Statistics

Blackpool

League Position: 12th
Win-Draw-Lose: 8-4-11 (Home: 3-2-5)
Goal Difference: 34-41 (Home: 17-19)
Leading Goalscorer: DJ Campbell (8)
Form: LWLLL (Home: WLWLL)

West Ham United

League Position: 20th
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-9-11 (Away: 1-5-6)
Goal Difference: 24-43 (Away: 10-24)
Leading Goalscorer: Frederic Piquionne (6)
Form: DWLLD (Away: LDWLD)

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Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons):

2010/2011: West Ham United 0-0 Blackpool

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Pointers

Blackpool

- Blackpool have the worst home record in the Premier League, registering just ten points from as many – matches at Bloomfield Road this season.
- The Tangerines have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions.
- Blackpool haven’t kept a clean sheet at home all season, nor have they failed to score on their own patch.
- Only Wigan Athletic (18th) have conceded more goals at home this season than Blackpool (19).
- DJ Campbell has scored in three of his last four appearances at Bloomfield Road for Blackpool, though only three of his eight goals in the Premier League this term have come on home soil.

West Ham United

- The Hammers will be contesting their third game in eight days.
- West Ham have scored in all but one of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Are without a win in their last three Premiership games, though a 2-2 draw away at Everton in their most recent league fixture did end a two-match losing sequence.
- Since the start of the term, West Ham have won just one of twelve away from home in the league.
- Only Wolves and West Ham, who have both scored nine away goal, have scored fewer goals on their travels this season than West Ham (10).
- Have the third weakest away defence in the Premiership, shipping 24 goals in 12 away fixtures.
- On seven occasions West Ham have failed to find the back of the net in an away fixture (League).

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Team News

Blackpool – Blackpool boss Ian Holloway somehow managed to retain the services of Charlie Adam, so the Scotland international will continue to captain the side in the heart of the midfield. However, Holloway is still shorn of the likes of Matt Gilks (Goalie), Chris Basham, Stephen Crainey, Billy Clarke and David Carney. It remains to be seen whether deadline day signings James Beattie, Sergei Kornilenko, Jason Puncheon or Andy Reid play any part on Wednesday against the Hammers.

West Ham – Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas remained sidelined for Avram Grant, however Thomas Hitzlsperger and Manuel Da Costa are nearing returns. January signing Demba Ba could make his début after completing a £5M+ switch from Hoffenheim, although his fitness is a concern, after failing two medicals in January. Robbie Keane also joined the Hammers on loan from Spurs on deadline day and despite making only a handful of appearances for Tottenham this season, is set to lead the line on Wednesday at Bloomfield Road, either alongside a rejuvenated Carlton Cole and Victor Obinna, or top scorer Frederic Piquionne – The possibilities are endless for Grant it would seem. Gary O’Neill also joined on loan in January after featuring in West Ham’s 3-2 triumph over Nott’m Forest in the FA Cup at the weekend, could start his second successive game for the Hammers.

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Match Odds:

Blackpool – 2.38 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.40 totesport
West Ham United – 3.13 VictorChandler

Birmingham City V West Ham United

Wednesday, 26th January – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: St Andrews
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

Birmingham City

On one hand, Birmingham manager Alex McLeish will be delighted for his team to get away from all the doom and gloom of a disappointing league campaign which sees the Blues struggling near the foot of the table and very much in the midst of a fight for survival. Then again, well aware that he doesn’t boast the strongest of squads when it comes to strength in depth, the Scot would have ideally liked to have handed some of his key figures some much needed respite following what has been a typically arduous festive period, however their hectic schedule means that isn’t a viable option.

After their Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg with West Ham on Wednesday, Birmingham entertain Coventry City in the fourth-round of the FA Cup in what will be their third game in a week – their most recent a morale-bashing 5-0 defeat away at Manchester United in the league. If it hasn’t already, fatigue will begin to set in and you get the feeling Alex McLeish will need to make sacrifices over the forthcoming weeks, and by that I mean he may need to make wholesale changes in either Wednesday’s Carling Cup encounter or their weekend tie with Coventry in order to preserve the conditioning and availability of influential players. I would hazard a guess at the FA Cup slipping down the club’s list of priorities, as the Blues are potentially just 90 minutes away from booking their place in their first major final since losing out to Liverpool in the 2000/2001 Worthington Cup, now named the Carling Cup.

Unfortunately, despite doing some digging, we aren’t entirely sure whether McLeish will name his strongest possible eleven on Wednesday. However, the Blues chief may have had his hand forced following comments from club chairman Peter Pannu regarding how disappointing McLeish’s signings have been during his, what we would define as successful tenure as manager. A point to prove perhaps for the former Rangers and Scotland boss? An appearance at Wembley in the final of the Carling Cup would certainly go some way to silencing his critics.

Speaking of McLeish’s signings, David Bentley is ineligible after featuring for his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur, in the earlier rounds. Defensive stalwart Scott Dann is the only other notable absentee for Birmingham, though the Blues do at least have home comforts to fall back on. The St Andrews faithful has seen their team lose just two of their previous 32 competitive matches on home soil, as well as four wins on the spin in the Carling Cup this season over Rochdale (3-2), MK Dons (3-1), Brentford (1-1P) and arch-rivals Aston Villa (2-1), though one of those was via a penalty shoot-out.

West Ham United

Love him or loath him, Avram Grant has an almost unrivaled record when it comes to leading clubs to finals. The Israeli guided Chelsea to the 2007/2008 UEFA Champions League final in Moscow, while two years later he took already relegated Portsmouth to the 2009/2010 FA Cup final against all the odds – However, the 55-year old was unsuccessful on both occasions and still awaits his first piece of silverware in English football.

With speculation over his future at the club having hit fever point in recent weeks, this may be Grant’s last opportunity to advertise his credentials as a manager, not least to continue his trend of having guided every club he has managed in English football to a final. Fortunately for him his Hammers side are well placed to maintain the trend, goals from Mark Noble and Carlton Cole at Upton Park two weeks ago handing West Ham a 2-1 aggregate lead meaning a first final in over twenty years beckons for the club provided Avram Grant’s men avoid defeat at St Andrews, a ground they’ve failed to win at on their two previous visits.

While the aggregate score would suggest West Ham are the favourites to book a Wembley date with Arsenal on February 27th, their away record this season would imply that Grant has a mammoth task on his hands. In the Premier League, West Ham have only won one of twelve away matches this season – Fulham 1-3 West Ham, losing half of those, and have an away goal difference in the league of -14 (10-24). However, the Hammers do at least arrive at St Andrews with some away reassurances having lost just one of their last four away encounters, though they haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home all season, whatever the competition.

Well aware that each game could be his last should the result not be to the board’s satisfaction, Avram Grant will have no qualms in naming the strongest team possible at St Andrews, a game the Hammers only need to avoid defeat in to qualify for the final. He will, though, have to put together a starting XI which doesn’t contain the suspended Victor Obinna or Frederic Piquionne, while Carlton Cole is nursing a knee injury and may not recover in time. On the plus side, Scott Parker will return to add some steel to a midfield which simply must hold its own in the center of the park if the Hammers are to avoid being overrun in an area of the pitch where games are so often won and lost.

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Pointers

Birmingham City

- The club’s last appearance in a major final was in this very competition nearly a decade ago, losing out to Liverpool on penalties in what was the Worthington Cup back in 2001.

- Birmingham have lost just two of their last 32 competitive matches at St Andrews.

- Birmingham have scored two or more goals in any one match in just two of their last nine competitive matches, neither of those coming at St Andrews.

West Ham United

- West Ham manager Avram Grant has made it to two major finals during his short managerial career, the 2007/2008 UEFA Champions League final in Moscow with Chelsea and the 2009/2010 FA Cup with Portsmouth, the Israeli losing both.

- The Hammers have won just one of their last 30 away games in the Premier League, just three of their last 33 away matches in all competitions.

- Have an immaculate record in the cups this season under Avram Grant, the Hammers having won all five of their matches in the Carling Cup, albeit one of those with the assistance of extra-time, and one FA Cup tie.

Head-to-Head

- In five Premiership encounters at St Andrews since 2003, Birmingham have only won one of them compared to West Ham’s two – Lee Bowyer with the only goal of the game when Birmingham won 1-0 last season.

- West Ham were victorious in the most recent League Cup clash, Joe Cole on the scoresheet that night as the Hammers recorded a 3-2 win at St Andrews back in 1999.

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Match Prediction: Draw – 3.60 BetFred

It’s simple for Birmingham: Win the second leg outright and you’re through to next month’s final to face Arsenal. Anything less and the Hammers will do their victory parade on Birmingham turf. Only a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Birmingham will take this tie into extra-time, possibly even penalties should neither score thereafter.

Don’t get me wrong, St Andrews has been something of a fortress for Birmingham City ever since their return to the Premiership for the 2009/2010 season (You’ll find a couple of eye-catching statistics in the ‘Pointers’ section). However, the Hammers have shown some real grit and determination in recent weeks during a period where their manager has found his tenure as manager hanging by the slimmest of threads.

Being without Victor Obinna and Frederic Piquionne, the latter the club’s leading goalscorer this season, does hinder their chances, however the return of Scott Parker was telling for us. In a match where West Ham require players with heart rather than an eye for the goal, Parker really does lead by example with his workmanlike attitude. I expect the likes of Parker, Upson and Robert Green to shine on the night as Grant continues to defy not just all the odds, but adversity.

Value Bet: West Ham to Qualify – 1.67 SkyBet

Match Odds:

Birmingham City – 2.10 Bet365 (General)
Draw – 3.60 BetFred
West Ham United – 3.60 VictorChandler

Everton V West Ham

Saturday, 22nd January – 15:00 (GMT)
Venue: Goodison Park

Everton

Despite David Moyes confirmed the club are strapped for cash when in comes to recruiting fresh new faces with an actual fee, the Scot has nonetheless been typically busy in the winter transfer window, allowing both Yakubu and Steven Pienaar to leave the club whilst tying both Victor Anichebe and Seamus Coleman down to long-term deals. The latter in particular is a player for the future for Everton, a marauding full-back whose been terrific out wide for the Toffees this season and on Saturday, when Everton hosts a West Ham side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, will go in search of his fourth league goal of the season.

Speaking of Coleman, the Irishman scored Everton’s leveller when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw back in December at Upton Park, when the Hammers didn’t register a single shot on target and had only a Tony Hibbert own goal to celebrate throughout the whole of the 90 minutes. And speaking of West Ham United, the Hammers are Everton’s favourite opponent in the Premier League, having beaten the Londoner’s on sixteen occasions losing just one of the last fourteen meetings at Goodison Park.

Somewhat ironically, without Tim Cahill, the club’s leading goalscorer this season with nine in the league, Everton have prospered in front of goal. Apart from drawing a blank at Stoke when going down 2-0 at the Brittania, David Moyes has had plenty to be cheery about in the early part of 2011. A couple of goals against Tottenham and Liverpool in the league, the former a 2-1 win at home while the latter, the Merseyside derby at Anfield, they drew 2-2. And in the FA Cup, away to Scunthorpe United, they smashed in five en route to a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

And some more irony for Moyes, whereas before his main concern was his forward’s lack of goals, now it’s how his defence has kept just one clean sheet in their last twelve competitive matches, that rare defensive triumph coming at home against struggling Wigan Athletic. Nevertheless, the goals are finally arriving, Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford both getting in amongst the goals of late, Everton are definitely a more potent threat in front of goal and that makes then a far more appealing betting proposition than they were earlier in the season, when goals were hard to come by.

Everton Fact: David Moyes’ men have kept just one clean sheet in their last twelve Premier League encounters.

West Ham

Love them of hate them, although I’m certain the vast majority can’t stand the sight of them, West Ham’s co-owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, have seemingly reached a verdict on the fate of manager Avram Grant. The decision? The Israeli will remain Hammers boss until at least the end of the season, and, in some sort of salvage operation, with the two David’s reputation in tatters following the debacle which has unfolded regarding Grant’s position as manager, reports suggest Grant will even be handed a decent transfer kitty in a desperate bid to avoid the drop.

Rooted to the basement of the Premier League following back-to-back league defeats at the hands of Newcastle (5-0) and Arsenal (0-3),  the Hammers now find themselves three points shy of safety and in urgent need of a saviour. Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Philipps have been linked with a possible loan switch to London, though neither are likely to be interested in a relegation dogfight. The likes of Adam Hamill, formerly of Barnsley in the Championship but now of Wolves, and Steve Sidwell have both turned down moves to Upton Park, which says just about all you need to know about the lack of appeal West Ham has right now.

Wayne Bridge has joined on loan for a staggering 90k-a-week but isn’t a player capable of winning matches, although he proved he can single-handily destroy any chance of the team winning football matches, after his disastrous début against the Gunners last weekend where the on-loan Man City full-back was at fault for all three goals that Robert Green conceded, a keeper out of contract in the summer. On the plus side, Scott Parker may return to the heart of the midfield for the weekend’s visit to Goodison Park, home of the Toffees, where the Hammers have won just one of their previous fourteen meetings with the Merseyside outfit.

Do we actually have anything positive to tell you about regarding those bubble-mad Hammers? Not really. They’ve lost their last two league contests by an aggregate score of 0-8, are still propping up the league despite a pretty successful December by their standards – Two wins, two draws and two defeats, while a 2-1 win back in 2005 remains their only triumph away to Everton in the league in their last fourteen visits.

Jack Collison, Lars Jacobsen, Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Junior Stanislas and Frederic Piquionne are among those who are doubts for the weekend clash with Everton, while Victor Obinne remains suspended following his red card at home to Birmingham in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final two games ago.

West Ham Fact: Have yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in the league all season, their last coming way back in January 2010, when they played out a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

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Last 5 Results

Everton

Premiership: Liverpool 2-2 Everton
FA Cup: Scunthorpe 1-5 Everton
Premiership: Everton 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Premiership: Stoke City 2-0 Everton
Premiership: West Ham 1-1 Everton

West Ham

Premiership: West Ham 0-3 Arsenal
FA Cup: West ham 2-0 Barnsley
Carling Cup: West Ham 2-1 Birmingham City
Premiership: Newcastle United 5-0 West Ham
Premiership: West Ham 2-0 Wolves

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Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons)

2010/2011: West Ham 1-1 Everton

2009/2010: Everton 2-2 West Ham
2009/2010: West Ham 1-2 Everton

2008/2009: Everton 3-1 West Ham
2008/2009: West Ham 1-3 Everton

2007/2008: Everton 1-1 West Ham
2007/2008: West Ham 0-2 Everton

2006/2007: West Ham 1-0 Everton
2006/2007: Everton 2-0 West Ham

2005/2006: West Ham 2-2 Everton
2005/2006: Everton 1-2 West Ham

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2010/2011 Premiership Statistics

Everton

League Position: 12th
Win-Draw-Lose: 5-11-6 (Home: 3-4-3)
Goal Difference: 25-27 (Home: 12-13)
Form: WDLWD (Home: DLLDW)
Top Scorer: Tim Cahill (9)

West Ham

League Position: 20th
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-8-11 (Away: 1-4-6)
Goal Difference: 22-41 (Away: 8-22)
Form: WDWLL (Away: LLDWL)
Top Scorer: Frederic Piquionne (5)

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Everton to WIN – 1.53 PaddyPower

One of my more confident betting selections this weekend is Everton to compound West Ham’s woes at Goodison.

Not only has Goodison Park been a nightmare venue for the Hammers down the years, with one victory in their last fourteen visits, the club remains in turmoil. The fans still aren’t convinced with Avram Grant’s ability to rally the troops and lead them to Premiership survival, the Israeli having guided his team to successive hammering’s in the league of late, and the former Chelsea and Pompey manager’s cause isn’t helped by so many excruciating injuries. Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Frederic Piquionne are just a number of the players who are doubts for the trip to Merseyside, while Victor Obinne is still suspended.

Everton, meanwhile, are reinvigorated in front of goal having racked up nine in their last three competitive matches, Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford both helping themselves to goals as well, but they’ll tackle the Hammers on the back of a morale boosting away draw with locals Liverpool, a game in which Everton bossed in the second half and will feel they should have won. We reckon they’re a solid bet to make amends this weekend by adding a further nail into Grant’s coffin with a comprehensive home win.

Value Bet: Jermaine Beckford to Score 2 or More Goals – 10.00 Bet365

He has just scored his first ever goal in a Merseyside derby and after a dismal opening to his Everton career, the tide may well be turning in the former Leeds hitman’s favour. Moyes seems to have a soft spot for him as he plays him all the time, so it’s about time Beckford repaid his manager with a couple of goals.

Match Odds:

Everton – 1.53 Paddy Power
Draw – 4.20 William Hill
West Ham – 7.50 Bet365