Norwich v West Ham Tip

Last season matches involving Norwich City were pretty certain to generate some excitement with 118 goals coming in 38 fixtures at an average of 3.11 per match. The problem the Canaries had was keeping clean sheets, something that remains an issue in 2012-13.

Last season Paul Lambert’s team had score draws at home to Stoke, Blackburn, Fulham, Wigan and Everton. This season they opened at Carrow Road with a 1-1 draw with QPR. These are the sort of teams that Norwich need to beat on their own patch to avoid a relegation fight. West Ham are opponents very much along these same lines, and I think the outcome will be familiar; the score draw is a best price 18/5 with Boylesports.

The Hammers will actually fancy their chances after an inspired 3-0 victory over Fulham at Upton Park last time out. I think the confidence gleaned from that afternoon will help them avoid defeat in East Anglia, but they will the injured Andy Carroll who was the talisman on debut. Furthermore, West Ham had the look of a team who may not travel too brilliantly after their 3-0 demise at Swansea.

They will be better than that this time and I can see a sharing of the spoils in what should be an entertaining televised clash. So let’s discount the highly unlikely goalless outcome and take the improved value on a score draw.