Eng. Championship
2012-05-19 - Blackpool vs West Ham United
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English : Championship
Saturday, May 19th, 2012, 3:00PM GMT
PREVIEW
After a long season two sides that were in the Premier League last year get the chance to jump right back up, joining Southampton and Reading. Blackpool lost a lot of players when they were relegated, so they have done well to get this far, finishing 5th to qualify for the playoffs. West Ham slipped up a bit later in the season, missing out on automatic promotion, but have been solid through the playoffs, not conceding through 2 legs. This should still be a cracker.
Blackpool defied the odds by knocking out Birmingham City over 2 legs. They won 1-0 at home, with excellent defence, and raced to a 2-0 lead away to all but seal progress. They conceded twice and the tie almost went to extra time but I put that down to Blackpool taking their eye off the ball at 3-0 up. Who can blame them. The key thing is that this is a side that was able to get to 3-0 after over 3 halves or so of football.
West Ham did even better, although the competition was weaker. Cardiff City were brushed aside 3-0 and 2-0 for a thoroughly one-sided result. What is bizarre is that West Ham through the season were better on the road while the slipped up at home a fair bit. What this team always did though was score goals. The regular season meetings against Blackpool were very one sided, with the Hammers scoring 4 in each match, winning 4-0 and 4-1. It would be easy to look at that and simply lump on prices of 1.95 for West Ham to win, but when is it ever that easy?
This is essentially a cup final game. One game, with no team getting home advantage. After 90 minutes, there will be all the football needed to get through, including penalties. That is not the mindset teams have when they're playing regular season games. Neither side will hold back here. West Ham have a habit of attacking and doing well with that, and will surely believe they can start the games the way they did in the regular season. Blackpool however look dangerous, from what I've seen towards the end of the season, as they went 7 games without defeat.
BETTING VERDICT
I'm so tempted to take Blackpool to qualify at 2.50. I have a funny feeling this game is going to end in a draw and Blackpool will get it done after that, but it's a risky bet I'm not in the mood to take.
I really think both teams will have a say in this, as they have enough offence to not be blanked over 90 minutes. The price is just about right in my opinion, considering both teams are playing away. There should be a goal conceded at both ends, at the very least.
The Pick :
Both Teams To Score
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Both Teams To Score @ 1.73 (Betfred)
