M brough vs West Ham Match preview

England - Premier League: M brough vs West Ham

Middlesbrough enters this game on the back of two good results last week, having taken a point in Blackburn before beating Manchester City. As expected West Ham lost the match at Old Trafford and their losing run now stretches to four games. Zola will not abandon his attacking approach and West Ham will be looking to win this game.

Boro was lucky against City

After the good performance in Blackburn last week, when the team was denied a win by the injury time goal from McCartney, Middlesbrough managed to win the game against Manchester City and escape from the dangerous zone. Boro keeper Ross Turnbull has to take most of the credit for the good result, as he saved a lot of clear-cut chances and kept his team in the match. Middlesbrough was second best throughout the match and they were very lucky not to concede but the turning point was the penalty awarded to Middlesbrough on 53 minutes. Sturridge had tracked back Wheater and they went shoulder to shoulder as they chased the ball on the right-hand side of the box. The referee wrongfully awarded the penalty, as the replays showed that there had been minimal contact between the players and Wheater was outside of the box. Alves scored from the penalty spot before Gary O’Neill scored on the counter in injury time. Gareth Southgate’s team will have to improve if they want to win the game against West Ham, as they cannot expect Lady Luck to smile on them in every game. Southgate will have Julio Arca back after injury, while Mido remains doubtful.

West Ham on a four match losing run

Gianfranco Zola admits that this is make or break time, following four successive defeats. The game against Middlesbrough is very important for the Hammers and it could be the turning point of the season. Zola started his career at the club brightly but the team is now in a very difficult position and they desperately need a win. West Ham was unable to stop impressive Manchester United at Old Trafford and they were largely outplayed by their more illustrious opponents. Valon Behrami has joined the growing list of injured players following a calf injury sustained against Manchester, while Scott Parker remains injury doubt. Carlton Cole started his three-match suspension and the only positive is that captain Lucas Neill is expected to recover from a virus in time to face Middlesbrough. Neill will probably return to his favourite right-back position, while Julian Faubert will be moved to the right wing. Zola knows that his players have the potential to beat Boro and he will order attack right from the start.

Betting verdict

Middlesbrough allowed far too many chances to City and if it hadn’t been for keeper Turnbull they would have lost the game. However, their attack is improving and the strikers will have a lot of space, as West Ham will opt for attacking approach. Both teams want to win and betting on over 2.5 goals would be your best option.

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Our tip: Bet 7 on Over 2.5 goals
Odds 1.94 at
Bookmaker: PinnacleSports

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