Eng. Championship
2012-05-19 - Blackpool vs West Ham
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football – England – Championship Play Off Final
Saturday 19th May 2012 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Well, it’s time – one of either Blackpool or West Ham will be returning back to the Premiership at the first time of asking, and what a cracker this match-up promises to be.
Wembley Stadium is the setting, and by five o’clock, depending on whether extra-time or penalties are required, we should learn who joins Reading and Southampton into the big-time. I won’t go into the home and away records for each team here as the final is at a neutral venue, but let’s look at Blackpool’s passage into the final;
Blackpool
A narrow 1-0 home win in the first leg at Bloomfield Road was generally considered a little on the thin side considering Birmingham’s home record at St Andrews, but Blackpool’s attacking nature held them in good stead in the 2nd leg as their credo of “attack being the best form of defence” held true despite Birmingham’s spirited second half fight back, drawing level at 2-2, but Ian Holloway’s men just held on to claim their play-off final place.
Key players include Taylor-Fletcher, Phillips off the bench, the wingers Ince and M.Phillips and of course Dobbie. Evatt and Baptiste will have their work cut out to keep Cole and Vaz Te quiet.
In conclusion, Blackpool’s strength is obviously in attack where they will create plenty of chances and will always go forward seeking goals, but they are susceptible at the back and seem a little naive sometimes where they let the opposition in and are always likely to concede as a result.
West Ham
West Ham seemingly breezed through their play-off semi final two legs against the perennial play-off bridesmaids Cardiff City, winning 2-0 and 3-0 respectively, and if we’re honest, totally outplayed Cardiff in both legs overall, with the determining factor in my opinion being the quality of their midfield and delivery of crosses.
The likes of Nolan, Noble, Collison and O’Neill is a formidable midfield line-up and would compete every day of the week against the mid-half down of the Premiership teams.
Aside from West Ham’s midfield, they also possess an array of attacking strikers in the form of Cole, Vaz Te, Baldock and Maynard, and these are all equally capable of creating chances and scoring as we’ve witnessed all season. In defence, Tomkins has been a rock all season and I wouldn’t be surprised if offers start coming in for him soon, while keeper Green has been solid.
The Betting Verdict :
In conclusion, West Ham appear to be the more well-rounded side of the two here, and can defend well when they need to whereas Blackpool will always give the opposition a chance.
In summary then, I have to back West Ham to just about edge this one in what should be an entertaining finale to the Championship season; 2-1 to The Hammers.
The Pick :
Blackpool 1-2 West Ham
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Pick :Take West Ham to win @ 1.95
