WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is looking to Saturday after making a goalscoring comeback in
midweek action
24.11.2011
Matt Taylor is hoping to prove he is ready to return to npower Championship
action when Derby County visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. It promises to
be an exciting encounter under the Boleyn Ground lights, and fit-again
Taylor is one of a number of players itching to force their way into the
manager's starting eleven, along with Joey O'Brien, Guy Demel and Carlton
Cole. Big Sam's men are on a roll for the Kids for a Fiver contest, with
four wins and a draw in their last five outings. Should he not be involved
immediately, the No14 knows he will just have to keep working hard.
"Obviously I respect the manager's decision and I've always been that way.
That's what the manager is paid to do. He makes the decisions and he picks
the team and that's his prerogative. "All I can do is be ready and
hopefully, when I'm called upon, I can keep the shirt."
Taylor was all smiles after making a goalscoring return to action in
Tuesday's Development Squad fixture at Ipswich Town. The midfielder looked
fit and eager after a month out with injuries to calf muscles in both legs,
capping an energetic 70-minute outing by heading Olly Lee's cross into the
net via a defender. Having pulled his boots on again Taylor, who turns 30 on
Sunday, is itching to boost West Ham United's promotion challenge. "It was
nice to get through 70 minutes and to score, but more than anything it was
nice to be back out on the pitch, to be honest. I'm going to claim the goal,
but I don't think I'm on a bonus in reserve games! "I've most definitely
missed playing football. It's what I do and why I came to West Ham.
Ultimately, it has been frustrating being injured but hopefully I can get a
chance and get myself back into the team. "I tore both calf muscles - I
think it was a pretty freak thing and I don't know how it happened. I'd
never had anything like that happen to me in my career before and hopefully
it'll never happen to me again. "The rehab has been good and the medical
staff have been fantastic with me, so hopefully we can kick on from here."
Tuesday's match served as the perfect comeback game for Taylor, with Ipswich
naming a starting XI full of full internationals and players with Premier
League experience. "The game was played at a decent pace so it was nice to
be out there. It's a shame that we lost, but I thought that the boys
acquitted themselves well in the game. "Ipswich had some experienced players
and the young guys who came on were also comfortable on the ball. If you
want to play in the Championship, you've got to be able to deal with the
physical side and that was paramount again in this game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barca equal West Ham Euro record
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th November 2011
By: Staff Writer
Champions League favourites Barcelona last night equalled a 30-year-old
European record previously held exclusively by West Ham United. Having
beaten Milan 3-2 in last night's Champions League Group H clash, the Spanish
giants scored for a 27th successive European fixture - thereby equalling the
record set in 1980 by John Lyall's West Ham. The Hammers went an incredible
16 years without failing to score in a European tie - a period that
stretched from 1964 to November 1980, when United's run finally ended with a
1-0 defeat away to Romanian side Poli Timisoara. Barcelona will beat West
Ham's record on 6th December should they avoid a stalemate against
Belarusian champions BATE at the Nou Camp in their next Champion's League
fixture.
The full list of games is as follows:
1964 (Cup Winners Cup)
R1L1: La Gantoise 0-1 West Ham Utd (Boyce)
R1L2: West Ham Utd 1-1 La Gantoise (Byrne)
R2L1: West Ham Utd 2-0 Spartak Prague (Bond, Sealey)
R2L2: Spartak Prague 2-1 West Ham Utd (Sissons)
1965 (Cup Winners Cup)
QFL1: Lausanne 1-2 West Ham Utd (Dear, Byrne)
QFL2: West Ham Utd 4-3 Lausanne (Dear 2, Peters, Tacchella og)
SFL1: West Ham Utd 2-1 Real Zaragoza (Dear, Byrne)
SFL2: Real Zaragoza 1-1 West Ham Utd (Sissons)
FIN: West Ham Utd 2-0 TSV Munich (Sealey 2)
R2L1: West Ham Utd 4-0 Olympiakos (Hurst 2, Byrne, Brabrook)
R2L2: Olympiakos 2-2 West Ham Utd (Peters 2)
QFL1: West Ham Utd 1-0 Magdeburg (Byrne)
QFL2: Magdeburg 1-1 West Ham Utd (Sissons)
SFL1: West Ham Utd 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (Peters)
SFL2: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 West Ham Utd (Byrne)
1975 (Cup Winners Cup)
R1L1: Lahden Reipas 2-2 West Ham Utd (Brooking, Bonds)
R1L2: West Ham Utd 3-0 Lahden Reipas (Robson, Holland, Jennings)
R2L1: Ararat Erevan 1-1 West Ham Utd (A Taylor)
R2L2: West Ham Utd 3-1 Ararat Erevan (Paddon, Robson, A Taylor)
1976 (Cup Winners Cup)
QFL1: Den Haag 4-2 West Ham Utd (Jennings 2)
QFL2: West Ham Utd 3-1 Den Haag (A Taylor, Lampard, Bonds)
SFL1: Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 West Ham Utd (Paddon)
SFL2: West Ham Utd 3-1 Eintracht Frankfurt (Brooking 2, Robson)
FIN: Anderlecht 4-2 West Ham Utd (Holland, Robson)
1980 (Cup Winners Cup)
R1L1: Castilla 3-1 West Ham Utd (Cross)
R1L2: West Ham Utd 5-1 Castilla (Cross 3, Pike, Goddard)
R2L1: West Ham Utd 4-0 Poli Timisoara (Bonds, Goddard, Stewart (p), Cross)
R2L2: Poli Timisoara 1-0 West Ham Utd
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will Sam move on deadline day?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th November 2011
By: Staff Writer
The transfer window for the loan market is set to close at 5pm this
afternoon. With a number of Football League clubs looking to make last
minute adjustments to their squads, it is expected to be a busy deadline day
for the 72 clubs in the league structure (from the Championship through to
League Two). West Ham have been linked with a string of players ahead of
this afternoon's deadline although it is thought unlikely - but not
impossible - that Allarydyce might look to make one further last minute
capture. Already moves to sign Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha and
Arsenal's French international Sébastien Squillaci have fallen through, with
neither willing at present to take the step down from Premier League to
Championship. Meanwhile a number of other enquiries have failed to develop,
leaving Allardyce with a smaller squad than the one he had at the beginning
of September (thanks to the long term injuries to loanees David Bentley and
Henri Lansbury).
One player still heavily linked with a move to West Ham is Leeds defender
Andy O'Brien. The Irish international is expected to be given a free
transfer by his current club and could therefore join West Ham at any point.
Transfer deadline day moves: confirmed
Sanchez Watt: Arsenal to Sheffield Wednesday
Chuks Aneke: Arsenal to Stevenage
Shane Lowry: Aston Villa to Millwall
Herold Goulon: Blackburn to Doncaster
Jon Parkin: Cardiff to Huddersfield
Chris Chantler: Manchester City to Carlisle
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy good as Gold, says chairman
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th November 2011
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has reiterated the board's support for the West Ham United
Academy. Some questions had been raised over the future of the Academy
following Sam Allardyce's decision to sell players such as Zavon Hines and
Junior Stanislas in the summer - players who had spent their formative years
at the club, but were considered surplus to requirement by the incoming
manager. His policy of replacing the likes of Hines, Stanislas and Jordan
Spence (currently on a season-long loan at Bristol City) with aging players
such as Papa Bouba Diop (33), Abdoulaye Faye (33) and John Carew (32) left
some supporters wondering whether Tony Carr's world-famous Academy may be
taking a back seat for the immediate future. However those worries have been
dispelled by Gold, who told his followers on social network Twitter that the
Academy remains an integral part of the club, regardless of recent
decisions. "We have a commitment to the Academy whatever happens," he
confirmed. "We have some great young prospects coming though [and] Tony Carr
tells me they're the best he's seen for some time."
Gold also backed Allardyce's decision to allow former Academy graduates
Hines and Stanislas join Burnley in the summer. " I'm told they're not in
the team," he said. "If that's the case, it's hard to see how they would get
in our side."
David Gold: Tweets of the week
On Sam Allardyce: "I believe that had we had this squad - and Sam - we would
not have been relegated last season."
On the current squad: "We now have a squad of players who want to wear the
shirt, a manager that plays to win and great passionate fans."
On Robert Hall: "Yes I think Rob can make it, there's a long way to go but I
think he's got what it takes."
On Boxing Day in Birmingham: "Last year they were our nemesis; that must
change."
On the January transfer window: "We are looking to strengthen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Every second counts
Beags reviews the best of the Football League
Peter Beagrie Posted 24th November 2011
SSN
There's a real contrast in expectations between supporters of West Ham and
Derby County. Hammers supporters are looking to go straight back up to the
Premier League, while Rams fans have seen their club on a downward spiral
for several seasons. The ladder back to the top rung appears to be never
ending for them.
At the moment West Ham are in second place and I've done some research to
explain why that may not be a bad place to be at this stage: In the last
four seasons, the team that's been in second after 17 games have been
promoted (West Brom 07/08, Birmingham 08/09, West Brom 09/10, QPR 10/11).
The last team to fail to go up from second at this point was Preston in
2006/07. Supporters who weren't enamoured with the appointment of Sam
Allardyce should count themselves lucky because this is a league that
rewards consistency, discipline and organisation. His team have those
traits.
In contrast, only two of the last four Championship leaders after 17 games
have gone up (Wolves 08/09 and Newcastle 09/10). Watford and Cardiff have
both fallen away after leading at this point. However, things are rarely
straightforward for West Ham. They've recovered well from their opening-day
defeat to Cardiff and supporters who weren't enamoured with the appointment
of Sam Allardyce should count themselves lucky because this is a league that
rewards consistency, discipline and organisation. His team have those
traits.
Apart from the 4-0 demolition of Blackpool, they haven't been particularly
fluent in their home games and two of their three defeats have come at Upton
Park. They've picked up 14 points at home, compared to 20 away and maybe
they feel under pressure in front of their own fans. I think injuries have
restricted their ability to play free-flowing football, particularly in the
wide areas where Matt Taylor, David Bentley, Henri Lansbury and Gary O'Neil
have been out. Supporters disgruntled with the style of football should be
aware of those mitigating circumstances.
However, their defence has been brilliant, only conceding 14 goals and
keeping eight clean sheets. Also, they haven't really suffered from the loss
of Scott Parker with Jack Collison, Kevin Noble, Mark Noble and Papa Bouba
Diop all contributing in the central midfield area. They have plenty of
strength in depth, as we saw when Frédéric Piquionne and Carlton Cole came
off the bench to turn the game around against Coventry, but personally I
don't feel they have the strength in depth up front that leaders Southampton
have.
That may sound strange when we're talking about international players like
Cole and John Carew or the Under-21 international Sam Baldock, but they
definitely lack the free-flowing attitude of the Saints. This is an
important period with games coming up against Middlesbrough,
Burnley,Reading, Barnsley and Birmingham and with the matches coming thick
and fast all of the teams in the Championship will be tested.
Rams to the slaughter
Everything is stacked in West Ham's favour and most people will expect them
to dish out some capital punishment and put the Rams to the slaughter on
Saturday evening. However, when you're not at your best you can be undone in
this league.
Nigel Clough is looking to reinvigorate a Derby side on a disastrous run of
form. They've won one in nine, lost three on the spin and are bottom of the
form guide. They haven't kept a clean sheet in nine games, which is a real
contrast to their solid start when they won six of their first eight.
They're a real Jekyll and Hyde team - and it was true last year as well. In
their first seven games they picked up just five points and were down in
20th. Then in their next 11 games they picked up 25 points from a possible
33 to rise to fourth. Then they went on a downward spiral and only took 19
points from the last 84 to finish in 19th.
So how do they turn things around? They've brought in Tamas Priskin, but for
me he's not a natural goalscorer. Every manager he plays for seems to say he
has all the attributes, but if that's the case why isn't he using them to
the maximum? He's had unsuccessful loan spells at QPR and Swansea, but
Clough is hoping he can provide cover for the injured Steve Davies and Theo
Robinson. Earlier in the season I wondered if Nathan Tysonwould be a star
for them, but he has been out injured for much of the time as well.
Their away form is terrible with no clean sheets in their last six and no
goals in their last three on the road. They really need to get the likes of
Shaun Barker, Paul Green and James Bailey fit again because they would make
a massive difference.
At the start of the season I tipped them to finish in the bottom eight, but
optimistic supporters will be hoping that their positive start has seen them
secure a basis of points to remain away from danger. This time last year
they were three points and seven places worse off and they still finished in
19th.
But I do fear for them, as they have a tough run of games coming up after
Saturday's game. West Ham will be odds on and Clough will need to earn his
corn by making his players believe they can upset those odds.
The returning players such as Barker and Green can hopefully bring a breath
of fresh air into the away dressing room, but I suspect West Ham will have
too much for them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor eyes Hammers return
Midfielder keen to feature but will respect Allardyce's decision
Last Updated: November 24, 2011 11:40am
SSN
Matt Taylor is hoping to earn a West Ham recall on Saturday after a month on
the sidelines. The midfielder has been thwarted by calf injuries in recent
weeks but is keen to face Derby after making a goalscoring return with the
reserves in midweek. But with the Hammers in fine form as they push for an
immediate return to the Premier League from the Championship, Taylor may
have to be patient. And the former Luton, Portsmouth and Bolton player
insists he will continue to work hard as he looks to force his way back into
manager Sam Allardyce's thoughts.
Respect
"It was nice to get through 70 minutes and to score but more than anything
it was nice to be back out on the pitch," Taylor told the club's official
website after Tuesday's run-out at Ipswich. "It has been frustrating being
injured but hopefully I can get a chance and get myself back into the team.
"I respect the manager's decision and I've always been that way. That's what
the manager is paid to do. "He makes the decisions and he picks the team and
that's his prerogative. All I can do is be ready and hopefully, when I'm
called upon, I can keep the shirt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The January Transfer Window: An Opportunity and a Threat!
November 24th, 2011 - 11:02 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham's promotion campaign is bumping along nicely and, as Allardyce has
recently stated, with 34 points from 17 matches, we are bang on the two
points per game minimum target to virtually guarantee promotion. I guess
that the good thing is that we are consistently winning matches, while still
apparently stuck in '2nd gear'!
As I have previously stated, the interesting thing will be if we can
continue to 'grind out' promotion in this way or whether we can move up our
performance levels in the final two thirds of the campaign? We shall have
see how things unfold? I have a sneaky feeling that we could still grab the
Championship title come next May, but if Southampton maintain their current
incredible momentum there really is no disgrace going up as runners up, is
there? The bottom line is achieving automatic promotion, beyond that it is
preparing for a successful campaign back in the PL in 2012-13. In the
latter respect, I feel that this West Ham squad are far better equipped to
survive in the PL than Southampton or any of our other rivals at the top of
the Championship. It will obviously need augmenting, but arguably the basis
of a PL squad is already in place. However, in allowing ourselves to
speculate thus, nothing should be taken for granted in advance of promotion.
The Championship is a tough, uncompromising league, you must give 100% and
fight for every point in the course of a successful authomatic promotion
campaign, the manager and the squad know that and hopefully they will
continue to deliver the points that will turn automatic promotion in to a
reality.
The Coventry City match was in many ways characteristic of our season so
far, we did not impress in the first half, but came back and through a
process of technical superiority, hard graft and a bit of luck grabbed the
three points. We seemed all over the place in the first 45 minutes, whereas
Coventry City were obviously fired up for the match. But even when we went
1-0 down, I never felt unduly concerned that we would lose. I was confident
that we had enough options on the bench to change things tactically and get
back in to the match. Also, it was clear that Coventry City are
psychologically fragile, and that a equaliser could well see their heads
drop! As it goes, the equaliser by Cole did result in a loss of City
momentum, for a period, and that juncture saw Picquionne score the winner.
However, to their credit, City continued to battle on gamely thereafter,
although Jack Collison really should have added a third to kill the game off
as a contest.
What we saw on Saturday was a perfect example of a club, in this league,
raising their game in anticipation of beating West Ham Utd FC. Teams are
motivated when facing us and do invariably raise their game accordingly.
That has been a definite factor this season, but so far we have coped with
it well. Sam Allardyce seems to have instilled the type of mentality in the
squad that enables us to weather opposition pressure and then go on to
assert ourselves and come away with the three points. We are doing this
very successfully away from Upton Park, but now we must start asserting
overselves at home to win matches convincingly, with power and style.
Starting on Saturday, against Derby County, we must begin dominating the
opposition at Upton Park and converting that dominance in to a winning run
of home matches. In short, we must make Upton Park the proverbial
'fortress,' that intimidates the opposition before a match day ball has
evenbeen kicked. So far this season at home, we have not achieved anything
like that psychological ascendency over the opposition. On the contrary,
even when winning, the visiting teams have frequently looked comfortable
playing us. That situation needs to change!
One question outstanding is whether Andy O'Brien, or another loanee
centre-half, will join us before the close of play today? The nature of
O'Brien's situation at Leeds Utd could result in a deal, but then again
perhaps they will choose to make him sit it out in their reserves until the
winter transfer Window opens? We shall see? Indeed, as I argued in my last
blog post, we should ideally see Allardyce endeavour to bring at least a
couple of useful additions in in January, in order to boost the squad,
increase competition for places and send out a clear message of our intent.
In that respect, it is an opportunity, but there is also an inherent threat
in the forthcoming transfer window. That danger is that the PL clubs, or
even one or two foreign sides, might put in bids for our better players.
We cannot afford to lose those players in the window. As such, the
co-owners must back Allardyce and declare their intention not to sell any
key players . The likes of QPR, with their laughable £3m valuation of James
Tomkins, need to be told in no uncertain terms that we are not interested in
selling. No doubt some struggling PL clubs will be tempted to put in bids;
while there could also be foreign interest in the likes of Cole and Green.
The club must stand firm at this important juncture and focus 100% on our PL
return.
Finally, it is good to see that Guy Demel and Matt Taylor have returned to
fitness. Demel is a powerful defender, who should significantly improve our
defensive capabilities; while Matt Taylor gives us balance, provides goals
and brings an extra dimension to our play, particularly at set peices.
Demel can also cover at centre back in an emergency and he may wll be needed
if we fail to land an emergency loan signing today. As for the Derby County
game, all things being equal, we should be able to win comfortably.
Sticking my neck out slightly, I reckon we can deliver the three points,
with a convincing 3-0 victory. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matt Taylor in line for West Ham return
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM wide-man Matt Taylor is set for an early 30th birthday present — a
return to the starting line-up against Derby. Taylor, out for a month with
two torn calf muscles, made a goalscoring reserves return on Tuesday. And he
has told boss Sam Allardyce he is ready to start the game at Upton Park
tomorrow. Taylor, 30 on Sunday, said: "It has been frustrating being injured
but, hopefully, I can get back into the team. "I tore both calf muscles, a
pretty freak thing, and I don't know how it happened. I'd never had anything
like that happen to me before and I hope it'll never happen again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PKF to hand over documents to West Ham's Karren Brady
Phone records of Karren Brady that ended up with PKF, to be handed over to
her lawyers along with other documentation
24 Nov 2011 Accountancy Age By Kevin Reed
Financialdirector.co.uk
PHONE RECORDS of West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady that ended up in the
hands of PKF will be handed over to her lawyers, in the latest development
in a dispute between the club and Tottenham Hotspur. PKF was appointed by
Tottenham Hotspur to look into the background of the club's failed bid to
win the right to play at the Olympic Stadium, which was won by West Ham.
Itemised phone bills of Brady ended up in possession of PKF. Both PKF and
its partner Howard Hill have said they do not know who obtained the records.
After clearance from Tottenham Hotspur, PKF is now handing over information
to Brady and her lawyers, the firm said in a statement. "Neither West Ham
nor Karren Brady have made any claim against PKF. They have asked us to
supply information, which is confidential to our client, Tottenham Hotspur,"
said PKF. "Tottenham Hotspur indicated earlier today that it no longer
objects to us providing this information and will we now happily do so."
The case has previously heard allegations that Hill had passed the phone
record details onto the Sunday Times earlier in the year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leeds United are 'evaluating' whether they will allow West Ham United target
Andy O'Brien to leave on loan
1:11pm Thursday 24th November 2011
Guardian Series
Leeds United chairman Ken Bates says the club are still "evaluating" whether
to send West Ham United target Andy O'Brien out on loan. O'Brien refused to
play in Leeds' 2-1 Championship defeat against Burnley on Saturday, with
manager Simon Grayson insisting the defender will never feature for the club
again. West Ham are reportedly interested in the 32-year-old and could make
an offer before today's 5pm Football League deadline for emergency loan
signings. "We're evaluating the situation and in the process of deciding how
to go forward," Bates told the Yorkshire Evening Post. He continued:"Clearly
Andy doesn't want to play for Leeds anymore and something has to be done.
"We're deliberating, taking all the appropriate advice and making the
appropriate enquiries. It's not very illuminating for the fans, but I'm sure
they appreciate that this is a delicate situation."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United have ruled out selling James Tomkins after interest from
Queens Park Rangers
9:42am Thursday 24th November 2011
Guardian Series
West Ham United chairman David Gold has ruled out selling defender James
Tomkins in the January transfer window. Following the Hammers relegation
from the Premier League, Tomkins has been an impressive figure in the Irons'
defence and has reportedly attracted the interest of Queens Park Rangers.
But Gold is determined to keep the 22-year-old as West Ham look to make an
immediate return to England's top flight. "He's not for sale for £3m," Gold
told SkySports. "Nobody is up for sale. "There is no plan to sell our good
young players. We must do all we can to keep our best players. Our goal is
promotion."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive - Noble: Promotion is paramount - no matter how we get it
By talkSPORT
Thursday, November 24
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble believes his side will be playing Premier
League football next season after acclimatising to Sam Allardyce's style.
The 24-year-old is the club's longest-serving current player after a
painfully unstable period for Hammers fans that culminated in them being
relegated from the top-flight last season.
But the Irons are now second in the Championship, unbeaten in five league
games, with automatic promotion back to the Premier League set firmly in
their sights after a period of transition. "To be honest the first few
games were strange as I was used to playing the 'West Ham way' with way lots
of passing," Noble said.
"But the gaffer loves his stats about where goals are scored on the pitch
and I've just got used to it and have played probably my best stuff in the
last five weeks and if I carry on I don't think the manager will have much
to say. "So much stuff has happened with chairman and managers and sponsors
but it looks like we finally have some stability now with the two Davids and
the manager. "Slowly but surely we're going in the right way and we are
after promotion, it does not matter how we do it as long as we get back
there."
Noble's form in the claret and blue of his boyhood club has also reignited
speculation he could pledge his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after
hitherto failing to earn his first full England cap "I think I am eligible
as my grandparents are Irish," he said. "I've been asked before and held
out. I still have hopes of playing for England and getting back into the
Premier League and I still believe I can do that. We will see, you never
know what the future holds."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham vs Derby: Another home headache for Allardyce
Poor Boleyn Ground form to again cause trouble for promotion hopefuls
News.ladbrokes.com
At first glance, Saturday's televised teatime Championship clash looks like
a mismatch, but there are reasons to believe that Derby will become the
latest side to frustrate West Ham in front of their expectant fans. The 7/4
title challengers, who sit second in the table, five points shy of
Southampton yet three clear of third-placed Cardiff, are 4/9 favourites on
account of a run of four wins in five that contrasts with Derby's record of
one in nine. However, they have won only four of their eight home
encounters, several of those stumbles coming against clubs in unimpressive
form such as Ipswich and Bristol City. In addition, three of the four
victories came by one-goal margins. The Irons also enter this fixture on the
back of successive away triumphs at Hull and Coventry, which is notable
because they are yet to win three on the spin under Sam Allardyce. On each
of the three previous occasions that they have had a chance to complete a
hat-trick, they have been held, and Derby are 16/5 to keep that trend alive
with a point this weekend. The Rams have lost on just one of their last
three trips to east London and that was courtesy of a late Carlton Cole (4/1
to score first) goal in 2007-08, the season remembered as the most
humiliating in their history.
Other markets
While West Ham are happy to grind out away points, Allardyce has stuck by
his pledge to entertain at home, resulting in a few gripping games at the
Boleyn, namely the 2-2 draw with Leeds and 4-3 and 3-2 victories over
Portsmouth and Leicester. Both teams to score appeals at 10/11, while those
looking for meatier odds can find 5/1 on it being a score draw. The return
to fitness of experienced Derby duo Shaun Barker and Paul Green should
ensure that the visitors remain calm when facing a likely barrage in the
closing stages, and 2/1 is a big price on the first half featuring more
goals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment