English Premier
2012-09-22 - West Ham United vs Sunderland
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 22 September 2012 - Kick Off 3pm
West Ham United
After watching the start made by West Ham United in their first season back in the Premier League, it does make me wonder why Blackburn Rovers thought it was a good idea to sack Sam Allardyce. His football isn't the prettiest, but it is effective and gives the Hammers a real chance of staying in the Premier League ahead of their potential move to the Olympic Stadium.
The team are 8th in the Premier League after picking up 7 points from a possible 12 and they are well on their way to the magical 40 point mark that should ensure Premier League survival. West Ham know their form at Upton Park will be the key to their success and they have won both League games here, scoring 4 goals and yet to concede.
It was a terrible first half performance that led to West Ham losing 3-0 at Swansea back in August, but that remains their only defeat in 5 games in all competitions this season. West Ham have won 6 home games in a row in all competitions, and they have only lost 1 in 17 here.
Jack Collison may be available for selection this week, although Andy Carroll's return date is still unclear.
Sunderland
It looked like goals could be a real problem for Sunderland this season, but Martin O'Neill splashed the cash on Steven Fletcher to rectify that and has been repaid with 3 goals from the Scottish man. Sunderland look like a team that will be too good to go down this season, but they will want to start winning League games to ensure they manage those expectations.
They are 15th in the Premier League having picked up 3 points so far this season and they also have an extra game in hand following the postponement of their home game with Sunderland. The Black Cats are unbeaten in 4 games in all competitions this season and their point tally can't be disregarded as they have played at Arsenal and Liverpool in the League.
Sunderland have drawn both of their away games so far this season in the Premier League, a 0-0 at Arsenal and a 2-2 at Reading. The team have now failed to win any of their last 9 away games in the League, losing 4 of those games.
Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown are potentially returning to the squad this week, although they may not be risked and given a run in the Capital One Cup next week instead. Adam Johnson should be available for selection, while Carlos Cuellar is likely to miss out.
Head to Head
In 2010/11, West Ham were relegated from the Premier League and lost their home game to Sunderland 0-3, allowing them to the double in the League.
Previous to that result, West Ham had won 4 in a row at Upton Park against Sunderland.
The Hammers have won 7 and lost 2 of the last 9 games played between the sides in East London.
Prediction
I think this is going to be a fascinating game in East London this week as I believe both sides will feel this is a game they should be winning.
West Ham United have been playing very well under Sam Allardyce's watch this season, although they are much stronger at Upton Park where they do seem a little more solid.
They haven't conceded a goal here yet, but both games they have played here were against opposition that had their problems- they beat Aston Villa in Paul Lambert's first game in charge, while their win over Fulham was the day after the transfer window closed and the away side had had some key personnel changes.
Sunderland won't be coming in with those sort of issues and Martin O'Neill has made them a tough side to beat. They haven't been winning too many games though, although their tough fixture list to open the season hasn't helped matters.
I just feel a draw could be on the cards here, despite it being a long time since they shared the points at Upton Park. Sunderland have drawn over half of their 9 games away from home since they last won, while West Ham were something of a draw specialist at Upton Park before the 6 game winning run they are currently enjoying.
Neither side scores a lot of goals and a low-scoring draw is what I feel we will get.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
West Ham United 1-1 Sunderland
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Draw @ 3.40
