Swansea v West Ham Tip

Both Swansea City and West Ham will have been delighted to start 2012-13 with victories, but it was the result of the Welsh side which commanded attention. The Hammers did well to force an attritional 1-0 home win over Villa, but in truth that’s a result that even mediocre sides will achieve this season. On the other hand, a 5-0 away victory for Brian Laudrup’s new club was exceptional.

The swagger of Swansea at Loftus Road suggested that any negative effects of the high-profile departures won’t be felt until further down the line. For now, Laudrup’s boys should expect further success against newly promoted opponents. The Liberty Stadium was something of a fortress last term, built on a solid defensive foundation. I expect the Swans to be the only goalscorers in this one at a best price of 5/2 with Paddy Power.

It remains to be seen whether West Ham have enough firepower for the top flight and this clash will offer some early indications. Swansea keeper Michel Vorm kept 13 clean sheets in 37 Premier League outings last season and was voted the team’s Player of the Year despite plenty of stiff opposition.

The likes of Wigan, Sunderland, WBA, Stoke, Villa, Fulham and Blackburn left the Liberty Stadium without finding the net - not to mention Liverpool and Manchester City. It would surprise me if West Ham weren’t added to that list by the weekend.