Live on BBC 2: Tue 19.45: West Ham are 13/10 (William Hill) to beat Birmingham and take the intiative in this 2-leg Carling Cup semi final.
The Carling Cup semi-final between West Ham and Birmingham is undoubtedly tough-to-call, with the latter slight favourites at 8/11 with Totesport to come out on top over the two legs and the Hammers an 11/10 chance at Stan James to reach the final.
It’s hard to pick an overall winner from the tie but Avram Grant’s men can at least edge closer to Wembley by shading the first leg at Upton Park. The hosts are 13/10 courtesy of William Hill to take a lead to St Andrews and that’s looks decent value given that the Hammers have won four of their last six at home in all competitions, including a 4-0 thumping of Manchester United in this competition.
However, West Ham have a tendency to look vulnerable at the back and with City having struck six times in consecutive away matches, Alex McLeish’s side look set to get on the scoresheet. Paddy Power’s 5/6 for both teams to score catches the eye then but perhaps even more appealing is Betdaq’s 2.20 (6/5) marked against a match total of more than 2.5 goals.
The ambitious meanwhile, can tackle Betfred’s 8/1 for Grant’s troops to shade it 2-1.
Recommended Bets:
West Ham to beat Birmingham – 13/10 (William Hill)
Over 2.5 goals in match – 2.20 (6/5) (Betdaq)
Compare all West Ham v Birmingham odds and bet at the best price.