Live on Sky Sports 1: Wed 19.45: West Ham are 4/6 with William Hill to reach the Carling Cup final after winning the 1st leg 2-1.
West Ham are looking to defend a 2-1 first-leg lead as they do battle with Birmingham for a place in the Carling Cup final but it’s the Blues, who were perhaps unfortunate to suffer a defeat when the pair met at Upton Park, that are Totesport’s 11/10 favourites to come out on top in 90 minutes.
Nevertheless, the Hammers remain odds-on at 4/6 with William Hill to actually qualify from the tie and we reckon they can secure a draw at St Andrews to book their place at Wembley, an outcome Betfred offer at 13/5.
Birmingham were thumped 5-0 at Manchester United last time out while West Ham were just moments from a victory at Everton and although Avram Grant’s men don’t have the most convincing away record, they have managed five draws across a dozen matches on the road in the Premiership.
Similarly, the hosts have shared the spoils in six of their eleven league matches at home and those statistics can be transferred to this match, which is 6/1 courtesy of Paddy Power to finish one-each.
Punters should still tread with caution though as it’s a tough one to call and indeed it could be that with the tie finely balanced, 90 minutes isn’t enough to decide matters. Subsequently, keeping stakes low and speculating on a high price may be the sensible option here and William Hill offer a cracking 25/1 apiece for the sides to edge through on penalties..
Recommended Bets:
Birmingham and West Ham to draw – 13/5 (Betfred)
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