Eng. Championship
2012-02-14 - West Ham vs Southampton
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Championship
Tuesday 14 February 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
West Ham
I was wondering how focused the West Ham players would be on Saturday knowing they had this big game at the top of the Championship to come, but we didn't get the answer to the question as their game with Peterborough United was called off thanks to a frozen pitch. That means Sam Allardyce has had a few more days to think of how he wants to take on the Saints in this game.
West Ham are still on top of the Championship despite not playing at the weekend, but they did see their opponents today close the gap to just 1 point. However, Cardiff failed to take advantage of the fact that the Hammers were not in action, meaning the team have a 6 point lead over those teams chasing an automatic promotion spot from the Play Off positions. They are 9-2-3 at home this season, scoring 24 goals and conceding 14.
The Hammers last played 10 days ago when beating Millwall here, even though Kevin Nolan was sent off early in that game. They have now won 4 of their last 5 games in the Championship to move clear at the top of the table and they have now won 4 in a row here at Upton Park. In fact they have gone 7-1-1 in their last 9 games at home in the Championship.
Kevin Nolan is suspended, but George McCartney should be fit to start. Nicky Maynard was expected to make his debut at London Road at the weekend so should be in line to have some part to play in this one.
Southampton
Southampton are trying to emulate Norwich City by earning back to back promotions- Nigel Adkins will be hoping his side have moved out of a tough run of games and are now going to be recovering their form and their challenge for a berth in the Premier League. With only 16 games left to play this season, this is not the time to have an extended slump in form.
The team are 1 point behind West Ham at the top of the table following a 2-0 win over Burnley at the weekend, and they are now 5 points clear of Birmingham City in the first of the Play Off positions, although the Blues do have an extra game in hand. The Saints are 4-5-5 away from home, scoring 20 goals and conceding 19.
The win over Burnley was important as Southampton had failed to win their previous 5 games in all competitions. However, they have only lost 1 of their last 6 games away from home in all competitions, although only picking up 5 points from their last 12 available in the Championship.
There are no new injury worries for Nigel Adkins and he has an almost fully fit squad to choose from in this game.
Head to Head
Southampton beat West Ham 1-0 at home earlier this season courtesy of a first half goal.
This will be the first meeting between the sides at Upton Park since the 2002/03 season, a game that Southampton won 0-1.
West Ham had won the previous 4 home games against Southampton before that loss.
Prediction
This is a tough match to predict as both sides will feel a little bit of pressure knowing how important the three points would be to their chances of earning automatic promotion come May.
West Ham have been playing very well at Upton Park after a tough start to life in the Championship, and they are working with the expectations of the fans that are in the stands. They have a decent defensive record at home, but have conceded in their last two games and that should give Southampton hope.
The Saints have not been in the best of form recently, but their win against Burnley was very important for the confidence of the side. They are a free-scoring side and have the players that can create and finish any chances in a game. Southampton have also enjoyed a little more success away from home in recent weeks than they have at St Mary's, although I expect that to revert to type over the last three months of the season.
I am sure both managers will send out their sides to play attacking football and look for the three points in this one, and that could lead to a few chances, and hopefully a few goals too. I am going to back the 'Overs' in this one.
The Pick :
West Ham 2-1 Southampton
