English Premier
2009-12-26 - West Ham United vs Portsmouth
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This clash is exciting as it involced the two bottom clubs as West Ham second from the bottom of the Premiership welcomes the visit of Portsmouth rock bottom of the standings.
Granfranco Zola side are facing a striker's crisis going into this match while Avram Grant's side beat Liverpool in their last match and are on the up after a dramatic turn on their home form. Both sides will not want to lose this match as they are battling against each other at the bottom end but for Portsmouth they will find it hard as they are bottom at Christmas.
In the past only one team has ever made it out and escaped relegation that is West Bromwich Albion that was when they staged an amazing comeback in the second half of the season in the 2004/05 campaign. So with Portsmouth being bottom, it looks likely they are unlikely to beat the drop.
As for the team news, Zola are short of options upfront as he only has Italian forward Alessandro Diamanti as his only striker available. Guillermo Franco picked up an injury in training on Wednesday and is out of this match. With Dean Ashton retired and Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer and Zavon Hines out through injury, 18 year old Frank Nouble and ex-Spurs youth team player Terry Dixon are the only other options.
Zola is also without defender Danny Gabbidon after he picked up a hamstring injury. James Tomkins who replaced Gabbidon on Sunday is likely to keep his place in the side and will partner Matthew Upson who returned against Chelsea without any after effects from his hamstring injury. Valon Behrami is closing in on a return to fitness following a knee injury and could play in their next game.
As for Portsmouth, Grant could have England international David James back in the side for this match. Second choice keeper Asmir Begovic will continue to cover between the sticks if Grant feels he is not match fit yet. Grant has not other injuries but the likes of Kanu, Hassan Yebda, Nadir Belhadj and Aruna Dindane could all play their last game before joining up with their national sides for the African Nations Cup. Belhadj should keep his place in the side after scoring the opening goal against Liverpool.
Take West Ham and give the 1/4 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
West Ham to win 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take West Ham to win this fixture.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take West Ham and give the 1/4 ball here.
