English FA CUP
2011-02-21 - West Ham United vs Burnley
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:West Ham United welcomes the visit of Burnley to Upton Park for this fifth round tie and the winners will get to meet Stoke City in the quarter finals.
West Ham is battling against relegation in the Premiership but they have been doing well in cup competitions having also managed to reach the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.
As for Burnley after Eddie Howe's arrival they have been a hard side to beat and they have suffered just one defeat in seven games in all competitions.
But Avram Grant who is the manager of West Ham will want to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the third time as manager of his side. Back in 2008 he guided Chelsea to the last eight while in charge of the Blues.
As for the teram news ahead of this match, Grant will field a stong side but also did not deny a number of fringe players will be on the bench and be given a chance to impress at certain points in the match.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger will make his debut after recovering from a thigh injury. However, January signing Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough is cup-tied. Meanwhile On-loan striker Robbie Keane is sidelined with a calf injury and central defensive duo Matthew Upson and James Tomkins face fitness tests ahead of kickoff.
Striker Benni McCarthy could start this match if he can recover from a dead leg suffered in midweek against Chelsea's reserves. Meanwhile, 17-year-old striker Paul McCallum signed for West Ham from non-league Dulwich Hamlet on deadline day and the club President expected him to be a star of the future.
As for the visitors, Burnley defender David Edgar could feature for them here after the collapse of a loan move to Swansea City. Recent signings Charlie Austin and Marvin Bartley are both cup-tied for this competition.
Clarets striker Martin Paterson could be out for the rest of the season following the recurrence of a thigh injury and midfielder Chris McCann is also out.
Take West Ham to win here and give the 1/2 ball.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
West Ham 2-1
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take West Ham to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take West Ham and give the 1/2 ball.
