Alan Hansen’s Premier League Preview: West Ham v Birmingham
The takeover and new striking arrivals at Upton Park were expected to inspire the Hammers to a much-needed win. However, West Ham slumped to another disappointing defeat at the weekend to fellow strugglers Burnley. After failing to beat Portsmouth, Blackburn and Burnley since the much heralded takeover, West Ham now face a tough test against a Birmingham side full of confidence, experience and belief.
Alex McLeish’s side have shown great hunger in their last two games to pick up a last-minute draw against Tottenham then a 2-1 home win over local rivals Wolves. Any doubts that the Blues would struggle following their defeat at Stamford Bridge have been banished. This squad of players has shown a real desire this season and they’ve been rewarded for it. There are no real stars within the side but there is togetherness and team spirit which has helped take the Blues to heights few would have expected at the start of the campaign.
Spirit alone has not taken Birmingham to where they are, McLeish has created a very organised outfit, solid, physical and hard working. Alex has also put his faith in players that no-one else would. The likes of veterans Lee Bowyer, Steve Carr and Kevin Phillips have all performed excellently for their manager this season repaying his faith in them. Goal scoring has been a problem for the team but Kevin Phillips rolled back the clock with a five-minute brace at the weekend which may give him a chance of starting this one.
West Ham’s three new strikers made their debuts at Turf Moor and they will definitely increase the Hammers chances up front. Benni McCarthy had a quiet debut but Mido made a good impression as a substitute and Ilan netted his first goal for the club. Those strikers will face a tough task of getting past Birmingham’s defence which is the 4th best in the Premier League. However, the Blues have conceded in six of their last eight away league games, so they are not completely watertight. The teams Birmingham have beaten away include Wigan, Hull, Wolves and Stoke. These teams are of a similar standing to the Hammers, so Birmingham are possibly favourites to win this one.
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Lee Bowyer returns to his old club with an excellent scoring record against the Hammers. He has scored five career league goals against West Ham including the winner in the clash at St Andrews’ back in December. His late runs into the box will have to be picked up by West Ham’s midfield but with Scott Parker likely to line-up in the centre of the park, I expect him to stay tight to Bowyer.
Gianfranco Zola’s team have now gone five league games without a win (two defeats). I cannot see them picking up three points against Birmingham this week either. For me, this match will be drawn. The Hammers have not been in the best of form but they are unbeaten in their last three at Upton Park. Therefore, with an estimated £30,000 jackpot up for grabs I’m backing the draw on Premier 10 as I don’t feel Birmingham will do enough to pick up their first league double over West Ham since the 1958/59 season. One single winner scooped the entire £30,000 Premier 10 jackpot at the weekend as the lucky Birmingham City fan predicted all ten Premier League matches correctly. Could it be you this week?
Tags: Alan Hansen, Birmingham, Football betting, Football Pools, Online pools, Premier 10, Premier League, West Ham
