Premier League preview and odds: West Ham United vs Middlesbrough

Premier League preview and odds: West Ham United vs Middlesbrough

October 01 , 2016 15:00pm - London Stadium

Premier League

Two Premier League sides struggling for form will go head-to-head on Saturday as 18th-ranked West Ham United take on 16th-ranked Middlesbrough at the London Stadium.

Pressure mounting on Hammers after four-straight defeats

After finishing in the European places last term and moving into their new stadium in the summer, it appeared as if things were looking up for West Ham United. However, the Londoners have started the new season in terrible form and find they find themselves stuck in the bottom three after six games with just three points to their name.

Their campaign has been marked by a string of terrible defensive performances and they come into this game on the back of four-straight defeats including a 0-3 reverse at home to Southampton last time out. As a result, Coach Slaven Bilic is already feeling the pressure.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Middlesbrough are also coming into this game on the back of a four-game winless streak. Aitor Karanka`s men started off well enough with draws at home to Stoke City and away to West Brom, either side of a win at Sunderland. But since then they have lost three in a row and have slumped to 16th in the table.

With survival a priority, Boro have probably performed in line with their expectations so far but a win this weekend could lift them into a comfortable mid-table position. They will be keen to take advantage of a West Ham side that has been plagued injuries and is clearly lacking in confidence,

Team news

West Ham United`s injury woes continue with Arthur Masuaku, Diafra Sakho, Aaron Cresswell and Andre Ayew all out of action this weekend.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without the services of experienced duo, Fabio and Grant Leadbitter.

Recent form (League)

West Ham United: LLLLW

Middlesbrough: LLLDW

Betting odds and tips

With West Ham having conceded 16 goals, while struggling to keep a clean sheet this term, the visitors should be confident of getting on the score sheet on Saturday. As a result, this game looks like a great pick for any Goals Galore or BTTS coupons.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 4/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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30/09/2016     © Frixo 2024