English Premier
2013-01-01 - West Ham United vs Norwich City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Tuesday 1 January 2013 - Kick Off 3pm
West Ham United
Sam Allardyce has been very honest in his assessment of the first half of the season and has admitted that he has begun looking down the table at the teams below them. Injuries are really hurting the squad at the moment and that has left West Ham United in a position where the transfer window can't come soon enough.
A defeat at relegation threatened Reading means West Ham have dropped to 12th in the Premier League and their 23 points means they are only 6 clear of Southampton in the final relegation place. However, the side do have a game in hand over most of their rivals as they bring their 4-3-3 home record into this one, scoring 17 goals and conceded 12.
West Ham have lost 3 of their last 4 Premier League games since a surprise 3-1 win over Chelsea- 2 of those defeats have come back to back against Liverpool and Everton. The Hammers have won just 1 of their last 5 home games and they have picked up just 2 points from their last 15 available.
James Collins and Kevin Nolan are both suspended, while George McCartney, Mo Diame and Andy Carroll are definitely injured. Yossi Benayoun is doubtful.
Norwich City
Chris Hughton was proud of his sides efforts in their 3-4 home loss to Manchester City on Saturday and they will feel they can get something out of this game on current form. Norwich City look more than capable of maintaining their place in the Premier League this season and a visit to Upton Park won't hold any real fears for them.
They are 11th in the Premier League table and have picked up 25 points so far this season which puts them well on the way to staying up this season. Norwich have a 1-5-4 record away from home this season, scoring 10 goals and conceding 19 in those games.
It hasn't been the most productive festive period for Norwich who have lost all 3 Premier League games in this period and they have now lost 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions now their long unbeaten run is over. Norwich had been unbeaten in 5 straight away games in all competitions, but they were beaten 2-1 at West Brom in their most recent away game.
Bradley Johnson is suspended, while John Ruddy, Steven Whittaker are out injured. Both Grant Holt and Steve Morison are doubts for this game.
Head to Head
Norwich City and West Ham United played out a goalless draw at Carrow Road earlier this season.
The last time they met at Upton Park was back in 2005 in an FA Cup tie that West Ham won 1-0 on their way to the Final that season.
West Ham are unbeaten in their last 5 at home against Norwich, although they had drawn 3 in a row prior to that FA Cup win last time here.
Prediction
Either side could potentially win this one and there does seem to be a pretty good chances that we will see goals in the contest.
Both teams will feel they can win this contest and I think that is why we will see goals in this one. The over 2.5 goals looks a decent shout at 1.92 and that will be my play.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
West Ham United 2-1 Norwich City
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.92
