West Ham United vs. Liverpool Betting Preview
By: Hugh Wilson
Goal.com
Liverpool and West Ham United meet on Saturday (12:30 p.m. ET, NBC) with neither side able to put together any consistent form in the early stages of the Premier League season.
The Reds were beaten last time out by Aston Villa, with the Hammers picking up only one victory from their opening three matches before drawing at Hull City last Monday.
Liverpool have a strong record at Upton Park, winning on four of their last five visits, so Brendan Rodgers will hope that his side can get back to winning ways.
Daniel Sturridge is fighting to be fit, but it’s likely Mario Balotelli will continue to lead the line after opening his Liverpool account midweek. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBoook prices Liverpool at -140 odds to win the match.
Sam Allardyce desperately needs a result against the Reds this weekend, with his position as manager under serious threat. The Hammers have yet to impress at home this season, losing to both Tottenham and Southampton, with the Saints comfortably dispatching them 3-1. The Hammers faithful will expect a much better showing against the Reds this weekend.
The SuperBook prices the home side at +375 to win and relieve some of the pressure on Allardyce, with the same book offering the draw at +290 odds.
West Ham can also be back plus a half-goal for +120, and the posted total is 2.5 goals (OVER -145, UNDER +125).
Odds for all of this weekend’s Premier League action are listed in the document below.
Despite enjoying playing in East London, it’s tough to back the Reds this weekend, especially at odds on. There have been a couple of unconvincing displays in recent weeks, and a there remains a huge question mark over the fitness of Sturridge, who has been a big miss for the Reds in the last couple of weeks.
A market that does stand out is goal-scorer props, which can be found outside of Nevada. For those that fancy Balotelli to net his second in a week, you can back him at +120 to net in 90 minutes.
However, it’s worth swaying towards Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard.
The midfielder, who has now retired from England duty, scored the winner midweek against Ludogorets courtesy of a late penalty, and having netted a double the last time the Reds met West Ham at Upton Park, the price of +300 certainly offers value.
Goal.com bet of the day: Steven Gerrard to score anytime at 3-to-1