In the past couple of weeks, a lot of positive things happened for Gianfranco Zola, as West Ham recorded a few solid results since they got defeated only once in the last 5 games. However, even though they scored 2 goals per match on average, “the Hammers” managed to record only one win, against Aston Villa at the Upton Park. Beside that win, they managed to waste their 2-goal lead twice, both against Sunderland and Hull failing to win all 3 points. Zola now has a task of teaching his players how to hold onto the lead as three points from this clash are necessary in order to get away from the relegation zone. West Ham will be without Dean Ashton, who they’ve been saying will probably have to stop playing football. Luis Boa Morte missed the previous part of the season, and won’t be able to play at this match either. Kieron Dyer is hoping he could start for the 4th time since 2007. while Manuel da Costa, a goal scorer against Hull last weekend, will have to do some health checks, as well as James Tomkins.
Problems on the road
Burnley introduced a lot of good things into Premiership. Similarly to Hull from the last season, they also created a home fortress out of their stadium, winning 16 out of 17 points at their Turf Moore. A problem for their manager Owen Coyle has been their away form. Burnley has been recording some catastrophic results on the road, and it can very easily happen that their home results won’t be enough for surviving in the best league of the world. Burnley gladly welcomed the news Andre Bikey will be late for his national team preps for the African Nations cup during the Christmas holidays. Burnley, however, is still without Jay Rodriguez, Chris McCann and Martin Paterson, but Coyle hasn’t got any new worries concerning his team’s health condition.
An opportunity to escape from the bottom
Burnley still has got a lot of problems on the road and that’s one of the main reasons why we should try with a home win here. West Ham has been playing very efficient in the past few weeks, so beside a home win bet, the over 2.5 could be a good option as well, anyway, Burnley conceded 20 goals in their 6 away matches in the PL this season, or more than 3 on average.
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Prediction:
Tip: 1 AH (-0.5)
Odd: 1.83
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 6 /10
Tipster: Kather
