West Ham v West Brom: Hammers in form but Big Sam can frustrate Moyes

West Ham v West Brom: Hammers in form but Big Sam can frustrate Moyes

West Ham are in form at the moment, but the odds on the visitors are big enough to make the Baggies a decent bet to pick up a draw at least, says Alan Dudman...

West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Tuesday 19th January, kick-off 18:00
Live on BT Sport 1

Moyes guiding Hammers to lofty highs

West Ham boss David Moyes took his team to within three points of a Champions League spot on Saturday courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Burnley. Moyes proudly exclaimed it was "the new West Ham". And with 29 points, it's certainly better than the old Hammers.

The Irons received a great boost with Michail Antonio back in action, as the 30-year-old has become a key man with the way Moyes likes to play. Jarrod Bowen can adopt the role as a second striker, and both of their work-rates are exemplary. Tomas Soucek can also provide a goal or two from the middle.

Saturday's success was built on an excellent defensive display, as they really nullified the Burnley attack despite having a bit of the ball.

Allardyce keeping the unlikely dream alive

While Moyes is remodelling "the new Hammers", West Brom are very much a Sam Allardyce team that is typified by work-rate, attitude and determination. All those qualities were praised by the old firefighter as the Baggies picked up a surprising 2-3 win at Wolves recently. Two goals from Costa Pereira set up only their second win of the season, but Wolves are a bit of a soft touch at the moment and are badly out of form.

Currently in 19th place on 11 points, the Baggies are 1.364/11 to go down and can be backed at 3.95 to finish Rock Bottom.

Match Odds

On away form, the Baggies are a big price here at 6.6. A recent victory against Wolves added to their successes in holding Liverpool 1-1 at Anfield, and a point at Manchester City. Although that fine result cost Slaven Bilic his job.

We could see something similar from Allardyce to the game at Anfield, as the set-up resembled a 6-4-0 to allow Liverpool all the ball. It was clear how Big Sam likes his teams to play as he was heard bellowing out from the sidelines at the weekend to get the ball out of the area as quickly as possible.

It's not the prettiest, but it's effective and the 6.4 win price is large enough to utilise the Draw No Bet and Double Chance options.

However, I am tempted to lay the hosts here at 1.64. They've been held by Brighton and Palace at home and I get the feeling this could be a very low-scoring affair. Maybe the odd goal to win it, especially with how West Ham are keeping clean sheets (three on the spin in the Premier League).

The Under 2.5 at 2.02 is good value in my opinion, although you can boost that further on the Sportsbook with the Same Game Multi with the hosts to win - that pays out 3.55.

If you're convinced West Ham win this, consider this bet - Antonio scored against Burnley and is the key man in this West Ham side, and throwing him in to score first with the SGM bet on the home win pays 5.7 on the double.