West Ham - Blackburn

The Hammers cannot afford to lose this one, although even defeat wouldn’t eliminate them since they’ll have Wigan at home and Sunderland away in the last two rounds. Five defeats and a draw in last six encounters, but mainly against top sides. West Ham don’t play badly, but cannot defend properly as they conceded 14 goals in last five games. Also five of their last six wins came after they scored three goals or more. Parker and Upson will have a late fitness test. The Hammers have won eight out of last nine competitive games at home against Blackburn.

The Rovers grabbed big three points in previous  round defeating Bolton at home. Before that, they were in a free fall with four draws and six defeats out of ten. On the road they took just a point of last seven games and hold the worst defensive record on the road (40 goals in 17 games). They have three players rated as in doubt, Hoilett, Dunn and Salgado. Manager Kean says that he expects two of them to be in the team.

I still don’t get it how the team with such talent as West Ham lie at the bottom. I’ll stick to my previous opinion and predict they will stay. Fancy them to win today, but will take goals as safer option. 

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.84 Canbet
Stake: 8/10
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Promised previews

So, here’re brief analyzes.

WBA - Blackburn

The hosts are probably the most underrated side in Premier. They don’t play bad at all, at Bolton created plenty of chances to score. Brunt hit the post at 0-1 and they lost at the end. Bad news is (only one bad)  mentioned Brunt is suspended due to fifth booking.

Hard times for Blackburn, thankfully to Indian owners. Allardyce’s departure was a big shock to the players and they responded badly with one point from two home games. Even with him, their away record was very bad. Best defender Samba said he wants to leave the club and Steve Kean has removed him from the squad! Maybe it’s too early for big conclusions, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rovers relegated at the end. 

Home win.

Norwich – Sheff Utd

Norwich are a decent side, especially at home and important for this game is they didn’t play for a Boxing Day. Only defeat in last eight games was at home vs. Pompey that media called a robbery. Defender Leon Barnett is suspended, while right back Russel Martin and midfielder Wes Hoolahan are in doubt. Norwich also have very good record against United at home as they won in six of last seven games (five with a goal margin).

United not just played a game two days ago, but also suffered a shocking home defeat against Hull (conceded in additional time). I am not sure how they can recover physically and mentally. Besides that, Blades already lost every credibility as play-off contender and I can’t see them higher than middle of the table. 

Another home win.

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Blackburn - Stoke

Not long time ago, he was talking how he deserves to lead some of the biggest European clubs. Now Big Sam has an opportunity to look for a better job. Seriously, by sacking Allardyce Indian owners showed the serious lack of the sense. Beside he was widely respected in the club, December with full schedule is probably the worst time to try finding a new manager. And I’m not really sure what they expect from only decent players. Spot for Europe? However, caretaker Steve Kean has become a manager (at least) till the end of the season. Skipper, Chris Samba, is out. Officially because the ankle knock, but there’re some rumours he refuses to play (‘cause the ex-manager).

Stoke are not a kind of good travellers, but recent situation has increased their chances at Ewood. Investments during the summer provided new quality to the squad and I expected more from them this season. Shocking defeat at home vs. Blackpool ended a run of six games without defeat. They look very good in the air and missing of Samba could give them supremacy after the set-pieces.

I think odds have been set wrong, here. 3.50 for away win is clear underestimating in my opinion. I expect a tough battle and can’t really see home win. Some advantage to Stoke, 1-2 correct score. C'mon you red-whites!

Bet: Stoke +0.25
Odd: 1.91 Expekt
Stake: 8/10

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