West Ham livewire value in the capital
West Ham United prepare for the most simple looking fixture in the Premier League at the moment when they welcome Norwich City to the London Stadium on Wednesday evening. The Hammers are sitting pretty in fifth place at present but will have to stay on their game to keep Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United directly below them at bay. David Moyes’ men comfortably defeated Leeds United 2-0 in the FA Cup third round at the weekend and will be looking to break into the Champions League places against the Canaries. Norwich earned a victory themselves last time out, knocking Charlton Athletic out of the cup thanks to Milot Rashica’s late tap-in at The Valley.
Process
In 19 matches, that is half of the season in the Premier League, Norwich have scored eight goals, yes eight. Bringing a new meaning to a toothless attacking contingent. Teemu Pukki remains their most dangerous player but not to any kind of extent that gives them a glimmer of hope or building any kind of survival bid. The Canaries have underperformed their expected goals (xG) to score from chances equating to 17.7 xGF, but even at that they are averaging just 0.93 xGF per game which is nowhere near enough to lift them off rock bottom.
The Hammers are chipping away nicely producing 1.63 xGF per game but have overperformed a touch at the back to concede 27 from 30.6 xGA at 1.53 per game. It is no surprise to see West Ham very short for this encounter, and in my opinion there was not even value in backing them to win by two or more, with 1-0 a likely potential scoreline.
Goals?
Unders if anything but I am tipping up a much more unconventional angle for my way of betting in this game, due to a lack of value on the market. The bookmakers have judged how to price up Norwich matches to limit value very effectively.
- West Ham have scored in seven of ten.
- West Ham have conceded in eight of ten.
- West Ham have seen both teams score in six of ten.
- West Ham have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
- Norwich have scored in four of ten.
- Norwich have conceded in eight of ten.
- Norwich have seen both teams score in three of ten.
- Norwich have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Looking at potential goalscorers for this encounter with West Ham in mind, Jarrod Bowen looks like a sensible bet in the Anytime Goalscorer market. The former Hull City man has scored just three goals from 5.26 xG this term, he is due, and is likely to get some chances against the Canaries. Bowen has registered 18 shots on target this season and with bet365 our stake will be returned if he does not start on Wednesday.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
One of my most satisfying tips ever. Bowen brace earns 2-0 Hammers victory.