Arsenal vs West Ham Betting

After the game was called off because off a tube strike on Boxing Day Arsenal and West Ham will now do battle Wednesday evening as both teams seek a crucial three points. For Arsenal they need to get themselves back in the Champions League hunt after defeat at Chelsea saw them fall seven points behind Tottenham (although they do have this game in hand). West Ham meanwhile know that with the bottom teams starting to pick points that they are not safe as they sit just eight points above the drop zone.

Bookmakers make the Gunners strong favourites at 9/20 (BetVictor/188 Bet). Arsenal have a great head-to-head record against West Ham going unbeaten in their last ten meetings (winning the last five of these). The Hammers have taken just one point from their last five away games though if you think they can get something here then you can get the draw at 19/5 (Stan James) and the away win is 109/14 (pinnacle). I think Arsenal should win but that price is giving nothing away and in a game between two inconsistent sides it might pay to swerve the outright markets and look for another bet.

Theo Walcott is the 4/1 (bet365/BetVictor/Coral) favourite to grab the first goal while Olivier Giroud is a 9/2 (general) chance, Lukas Podolski is 11/2 (ladbrokes) while Santi Cazorla is 8/1 (ladbrokes). Those looking for a West Ham player to grab the opener can get Andy Carroll at 11/1 (bet365) while Carlton Cole is 12/1 (bet365), Kevin Nolan is also 12/1 (ladbrokes/betway) while Joe Cole looks standout value at 20/1 (bet365/betway). Cole grabbed a goal at the weekend and if he saw Arsenal at Chelsea will be heartened by the defending on show as the full backs and centre backs were unable to communicate where to pick up the runners from midfield. Be sure to also back him in the anytime market where he is 6/1 (Bet365/BetVictor).

BetVictor should be applauded for their prices in the correct score market in this (and in a number of games) where they can not be beaten for price. They make 2-0 and 1-0 Arsenal the 15/2 favourites while 2-1 Arsenal is 17/2. Those who fancy the draw can get 19/2 it finishes 1-1 and 14/1 (general) it finishes 0-0. Those looking for prices on a Hammers victory can get 1-0 at 22/1 (BetVictor) or 2-1 at 25/1 (BetVictor/Coral).

The over 2.5 goals market is favourite at 13/17 (pinnacle) while under 2.5 goals is available at 11/9 (32 Red). Both teams to score can be backed at 10/11 (boylesports/william hill).

This is not the only game on Wednesday night as a handful of lower league games are scheduled to take place (weather permitting). I think the best bet in these games is Bournemouth to get something from their visit to Hartlepool. william hill are offering a very generous evens which bearing in mind Hartlepool have won just two games and collected 13 points this season seems very kind. Bournemouth did lose at Walsall last time out though I expect them to bounce back here and showcase the gulf in class between these sides. These two sides could be seperated by two divisions next season and I expect Bournemouth to bounce back here. Lewis Grabban has been a little quiet on the goalfront at the moment but up against a Hartlepool defence that has shipped twelve in their last five home games I think he could be worth a punt to rediscover some goalscoring form so take the 11/8 bet365 are offering.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Bournemouth to beat Hartlepool, evens (william hill)
SILVER: Joe Cole to score v Arsenal, first 20/1 (Bet365/Betway), anytime 6/1 (Bet365/BetVictor)
BRONZE: Lewis Grabban to score anytime v Hartlepool, 11/8 (Bet365)

Go To bet365

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23/01/2013     © Frixo 2024