by Tom Allen
Newcastle continue to be underestimated by the bookmakers and the Magpies
should not available to back at odds-against versus West Ham on Sunday.
I'm not quite sure why the odds compilers continue to offer inflated prices
about Alan Pardew's side but the English manager has put together an excellent
squad in the north-east and I'm happy to take advantage.
The fact Coral offer 21/20 about a home this weekend is surprising given
Newcastle have been beaten only by Manchester Untied (twice) in their last 14
matches and their form in front of their own fans can usually be relied upon.
The Magpies have shown that they have the playing staff to cope with the
demands of a Europa league campaign this season, Newcastle drew 2-2 in Brugge on
Thursday, but Pardew was able to rest a few key men for their latest outing in
that competition and they should be raring to go against the Hammers.
The five Premier League matches at St James's Park this season have featured
just 12 goals but it is now a very impressive 14 victories in their 19 fixtures
in all competition this calendar year fro Newcastle at the famous stadium and
West Ham are not predicted to pose much of a threat there this weekend.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce returns to his former club, as does on-loan
striker Andy Carroll, having seen his team net just three times away from Upton
Park this term with their solitary triumph coming at beleaguered Queens Park
Rangers.
I have no doubt the East London club will survive, their home form is too
strong not to, but West Ham have won just three of their previous 41 Premier
League matches on the road, dating back to August 2009, and one goal might well
be enough for the hosts to land the spoils.
West Ham performed with credit when holding Manchester City to a goalless
draw last Saturday evening but they do lack a prolific goal scorer and, if
Carroll can be kept quiet, then Newcastle will fancy their chances.
The selection are superior to their opponents in just about every department
and I see no reason why they should not continue the good form which produced a
win against West Brom and draw at Anfield before their stalemate in Belgium.
2pts Back Newcastle (vs. West Ham) @ 20/19 (Coral)
or Evens (Bet
365,
Bet Victor).
