Can West Ham United improve Premiership standing against Portsmouth
It would not be fair to forget the middle-of-the-table clubs in Premier League, having already mentioned top of the table titans this season in Premiership action that have impressed the sports betting public no end. The strongest sides are leading the race and the betting trend will favour them as they enter Saturday’s fixtures overwhelmingly favoured by the bookies in the market. Very few surprises are expected amongst the top foursome in Premiership though so when we consider the weekend programme, the value for sports bettors lies in the middle-of-the-table action.
West Ham United is precariously perched just above the dangerous zone while Portsmouth is in a much better position – ninth in the league, level on points with Middlesbrough but behind on goal difference. Recently, the Hammers squandered the lead against Everton at home in the last moments of the game and a chance to better their league standing. They will need to put the disappointment of that match behind them as they prepare to host Portsmouth.
Portsmouth journeying to West Ham from Sunderland, where they took the all-important three points after beating the hosts 2:1, will be optimistic about their chances of seizing back-to-back away victories.
Soccer Betting Line:
West Ham United pk -120 +145 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +230
Portsmouth FC pk Ev +185 2½ O -105 U -115 Draw +230
Match Time: 12:30 PM Eastern Time, Saturday November 15, 2008
Soccer Betting Analysis:
West Ham United (+145) West Ham United hosting Portsmouth FC will try to avoid the danger zone with a home win. They were punished for their lack of concentration against a better Everton in their last home match. They will want to avoid making the same mistakes. However, West Ham is mired in a slump; neither their home record nor their away record is encouraging. In their last five matches, they scrapped by with a draw once and lost the rest. The last match they won was August 30 against Blackburn!
Portsmouth FC (+185) Portsmouth lost a key player in Harry Redknapp and a poor run of results ensued. Replacing him has not been easy but after the triumph in Sunderland, things are looking up for Portsmouth. After the success in Sunderland, Coach Adams will most likely field the same line-up. They showed some great attacking play and dominated the second half.
Soccer Betting Verdict Both teams have had their share of woes. For different reasons they have incentive to take the initiative in this match. Portsmouth will try to prevent slipping further and West Ham will try to redeem themselves before their loyal fans. I expect an attacking football between these two as they have ample firing power up front so bettors should take the Over 2.5 goals at -105. Given the confidence boost Portsmouth gained in Sunderland, they are closer to victory in my opinion so taking their +185 odds on the money line would be well worth the risk. West Ham has been shaky of late so their best shot would be to scrape by with the draw +230.
