English Premier League Betting Picks – West Ham United vs. Chelsea FC

Chelsea are currently at the top of the Premier League table (frankly, where they have been for most of the season to date), with a mind to stay there. They are three points clear of nearest and most threatening title rivals Manchester United.

Chelsea returned to winning form in midweek action when they beat bottom of the table Portsmouth 2:1 at Stamford Bridge. Prior to that, they had a hiccup or two – a 2:1 loss at Man City and a 3:3 draw against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

The return to winning form was crucial as title rivals were closing the gap on the Blues. As they hit the road, headed to Boleyn Ground (which isn’t really a long trek) to battle West Ham United, they will be mindful of the pressure from below.

West Ham United suffered their third loss in a row, losing to Bolton Wanderers 3:1 on the away in midweek Premier League action. The latest disappointment is just an extension of what has been a very disappointing season thus far for the Hammers. Given current circumstances, and low spirits, can they really expect to take anything away from their upcoming match?

Soccer Betting Line:

West Ham United +1 +120 +750 2½ O -130 U +110 ½ O -120 U Ev Draw +325
Chelsea FC -1 -140 -250 2½ O -130 U +110 2 O -105 U -115 Draw +325

Match Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time Sunday December 20, 2009

Venue: Boleyn Ground

Soccer Betting Verdict: The Blues are serious title contenders this season and although they suffered a hiccup or two recently they are back to winning form. Crisis averted (which turned out to be not entirely calamitous) to the delight of their fans. There is really no reason to believe Chelsea will not take all three points in this match. They have form and nigh perfection going for them this season. Also they will want to make amends for the two matches where they leaked points. All this makes Chelsea FC the sure play in this match at -250.

West Ham are now in the relegation zone, 19 th in the table. Things are not looking good for them at all and more importantly, Zola’s days seem numbered. So far he has been unable to right the ship and it is only a matter of time before he gets the axe. All this does not make for a healthy environment in the locker room and the low spirits and negativity are showing on the pitch. Short of a miraculous, Herculean effort, most expect West Ham to go down in this match.

Interestingly enough West Ham have scored in five of their last six home matches, and quite a bit actually. They combined for 12 goals. Amongst these fixtures, they impressively held Arsenal to a 2:2 draw and beat Aston Villa 2:1. It seems when the bigwigs come calling West Ham are capable of raising their level (save for the 4:0 loss to Man U, that is). So, there is a chance they might put forward a good account – not by winning the match per say but scoring some goals and keeping the Blues on their toes. Taking West Ham at Over ½ -120 therefore is a steal. It follows, taking the combined team totals at Over 2.5 goals -130 is also a good bet.

Sign up HERE to start winning some cash today!