IT promises to be a feisty affair when London rivals Chelsea and West Ham clash on Boxing Day. Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire) shares his best bet.
Chelsea v West Ham | Boxing Day 12.45 | Sky Sports 1
Hands up who had West Ham in the top-four at Christmas? Certainly not me. I’m a big Big Sam fan but even I felt he was running out of time at Upton Park, especially considering he was odds-on in the Sack Race even before the season got underway.
The media have been quick to lavish praise on the Hammers’ new style of football this campaign and although they’re a much more potent force going forward, there’s not been a huge amount of change.
The return to fitness of Andy Carroll has boosted their forward-line but so has the arrival of Enner Valencia and Diafro Sakho. And the stats just can’t be ignored when you’re comparing Allardyce’s 2014/15 side to that of last season…
West Ham have scored in all eight of their away league games this campaign – last season they failed to score in 9 of their 19 road trips! What’s more, only hosts Chelsea and champions Manchester City have scored more goals on their travels than the Hammers.
The Blues boast a 100% home record with six of those eight wins coming ‘to nil’. But I firmly believe West Ham can net when they visit the Bridge and Ladbrokes’ 21/20 on Both Teams To Score is right up my street.
In their last four Premier League games as hosts, Chelsea have conceded to rivals QPR and come ever so close to leaking against West Brom and Spurs before out-classing struggling Hull. Expect West Ham to pose a serious threat in the attacking third especially when you consider they've had two days extra rest.
For those looking for a bigger price, Coral are offering 11/5 on the home win and Both Teams To Score. The Blues hold the Indian sign over their London neighbours, winning 12 of their last 16 Premier League meetings
Best Bets
Chelsea v West Ham – Both Teams To Score (21/20 Ladbrokes)
Chelsea v West Ham – Chelsea win and Both Teams To Score (11/5 Coral)
New Customer Offer
Betfair are offering new customers the chance to back Chelsea at a massive 4/1 as opposed to the 4/11 advertised.
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