West Ham might slowly be turning the corner but the fact remains they’ve won just once in the Premier League all season and must be too short at the odds available to get the better of West Brom on Wednesday.
No bigger than 2.30 shots with the bookmakers, Avram’s Grant’s side threw away a two-goal lead at Birmingham on the weekend and it was another false dawn in a season so far full of misery.
That point at St Andrews kept the Hammers rooted to the foot of the table and the Upton Park club have managed just nine goals all season at the right end. A last-minute loss at The Emirates was harsh, but West Ham are simply finding it impossible to win of late and come up against a West Brom team full of confidence despite back-to-back reversals at Blackpool and home to Manchester City.
The Baggies 2-1 defeat at Bloomfield Road, down to nine men after 20 minutes, was actually commendable given the circumstances and Roberto Di Matteo’s men could have sneaked a remarkable point at the death. It was also no disgrace to succumb to moneybags Man City last time out and overall West Brom have enjoyed a terrific start to the season.
Currently riding high in tenth despite those pair of defeats, victory in North London over Arsenal and a well-deserved point at Old Trafford have been the highlights and the West Midlands club are seemingly fearless on their travels despite an opening 6-0 mauling at Stamford Bridge back in August.
Perhaps that thrashing at the hands of the champions was a blessing in disguise for the Italian boss however, Di Matteo learning just how difficult life in the Premier League would be, and West Brom have certainly acquitted themselves well since.
Although only in early November, things are already looking bleak for Wednesday’s hosts and I’m not sure playing at home is such an advantage for West Ham at present. The Upton Park crowd are a demanding bunch, and a slow start could well see the claret and blue faithful once again turn on their hapless heroes.
Given the pair’s respective records so far this season, a small lay of West Ham is advised. A score draw looks the most likely outcome, but the opening period will be key and surely if West Brom can make the first breakthrough then a point, at least, will be assured.
1pt Lay West Ham (vs. West Brom) @ 2.34 (Betfair)