The Hammers faithful are a passionate crowd, known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Generally speaking, this particular demographic is not known for its prowess in the bookies – but West Ham fans could have a lot to smile about this weekend if they intend to bet with their heart.
After a 1-0 win over Burnley, we’ve narrowly escaped a Christmas relegation scrap – a far cry from the Bilic-inspired highs of last season. This season, however, new stadium in tow, Slaven’s men have failed to create a fortress out of the London Stadium.
Hampered by injury problems, karma could well come back to gift West Ham some points as crocked Andy Carroll is steadily returned to full-time duties. The target man picked up the man of the match award during the weekend’s win, in which captain Mark Noble slotted home the rebound of his own saved penalty.
The stalwart local lad has missed just four of his 21 career penalties, ensuring at least a goal in every season – bar his first (2005/6).
Noble’s steady and consistent goal rate, as well as his penalty-taking status, makes him a solid bet in games where our tricky wingers might face burly defenders. Betting men might too take advantage of such a thought when the Hammers take on Hull this weekend, as he currently stands at 19/5 with 888sport to score at any time – a price that’s more than doubled if placed for a first or last goal at 19/2.
Tigers centre backs Curtis Davis is not known for his subtlety and Hull boss Mike Phelan will be relying on the experience of Michael Dawson to shore up the saltiness of relative new boy Harry Maguire. Hull are expected to play with three at the back, who could all find our tricky creative midfielders a handful.
Betting on fan favourites, such as Mark Noble, however, can sometimes be problematic. Due to fans’ willingness for the player to succeed, it can sometimes drive down the odds. Ensuring the price is not short as a result of the player’s fame or popularity is key. 888sport are keen at offering attractive enhanced offers to customers and are often able to beat high street odds.
It’s Noble’s English comrade, however, that provides the most promising Hammers bet of the week. Andy Carroll was praised at length following the three-point victory over Burnley and form of the caliber he displayed in front of the home fans this weekend was a testament to his intent.
West Ham managed to win just 17% of their games without Big Andy C (until this weekend), a statistic that was more than doubled at 38% with his inclusion it the first team. The target man is almost unplayable in the air and, providing his recurring injuries are kept under control, should certainly be getting a call from Gareth Southgate should he continue.
Ashley Fletcher, who has represented his country three times at U20s level, scoring once in a 4-1 drubbing of Canada U20s. On that day, the striker played alongside Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford and has since enjoyed some of the limelight his former teammate has been bathing in since last season.
Fletcher burst onto the scene with a consolation goal, during the 4-1 defeat to Manchester United in the EFL Cup. While not yet considered a first team regular, the potential for a young, bright striker to be brought on late in the match and nick a goal is huge here.
The 21-year-old offers a perfect longshot punt at 23-5 to score last – the obvious option, if suggesting a replacement for a tired Andy Carroll.
