Premier League 
/ Frank Gregan / 05 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Can Robbie Keane score again for the Hammers?
"Odds of [2.6] should be available on him notching on his home debut whilst for Birmingham Craig Gardner gets more than his share from midfield and should be available at [5.0]."
With Robbie Keane desperate to score in front of his new home fans, can West Ham avenge their recent Carling Cup defeat against Birmingham. Frank Gregan selects the best bets.
This is an opportunity for West Ham to gain revenge for last month's Carling Cup semi final which was won by Birmingham in extra time during the second leg at St Andrews and is also a chance for the West Ham hierarchy to put one over the club they used to own. They will be buoyed by a much needed midweek victory at Blackpool in which Robbie Keane scored on debut.
Birmingham came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Man City but now find themselves level on points with West Ham and only out of the relegation zone courtesy of goal difference, although they do have two games in hand on the Hammers.
Danny Gabbidon faces a fitness test having had to be withdrawn against Blackpool in midweek and Avram Grant looks likely to be without the services of Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) and Manuel Da Costa (ankle). Birmingham have doubts over Roger Johnson (calf) and Barry Ferguson (ankle).
Match Odds - West Ham [2.1] Birmingham [4] The Draw [3.6]
The [2.1] available on West Ham looks very skinny for a side that has only a 25% win record at home this season and have been unable to record back to back wins in the league. They last strung two league wins together a year ago. Ironically, Birmingham were one of the two sides they defeated then and the market has obviously taken into account the Blues dreadful away record (only Wolves have taken less points on the road) when arriving at a short price for a home win.
Birmingham's record way from St Andrews is somewhat misleading. They might not win on the road but they are difficult to beat. They have gained at least a point in over half of the away games they have played this season. So the question is: Do you want to back a team that wins one in four at home at [2.1] or lay them against a side that has got something out of 55% of their away games?
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Whilst neither side are prolific scorers, 58% of West Ham's home games and 64% of Birmingham's away games have yielded more than 2.5 goals. The three previous clashes this season between these two side have all had more than 2.5 goals, both Carling Cup ties finishing with a three goal aggregate over 90 minutes and four goals in their league clash at St Andrews in November. It is therefore something of a surprise to see 'overs' the marginal outsider at [2.1] with unders at [1.9].
To Score
The man of the moment for West Ham is Robbie Keane and despite already being off the mark with his midweek goal he'll be eager to make an impression on the home supporters. Odds of [2.6] should be available on him notching on his home debut whilst for Birmingham Craig Gardner gets more than his share of goals from midfield and should be available at [5] to find the back of the net.
Over/Under 6.5 goals
This market can offer a big return for a small investment and is an interesting bet to have In-Play, particularly if the game pans out your way! A lay on 'unders' can be attained at [1.02] prior to kick off with a sizeable potential return for a small liability. All it takes to facilitate a trade is an early goal or two but you might like to brave it out to half-time and see what's available if there has been three or more goals before the break.
Best Bet : Robbie Keane to score at [2.6].
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals at [2.1]
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