West Ham v Fulham Betting Preview: Goals to flow at Upton Park in the early kick-off

Aug 31, 2012 3:40:00 PM

With the hosts adding Andy Carroll to their attacking options and Martin Jol's men in fine goalscoring form, Jim Knight expects goals in this game

The Hammers made a triumphant return to the Premier League as they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season, but they'll face a much sterner test in a Fulham side who made an impressive start to their campaign under the leadership of Martin Jol.

The hosts are made 77/50 (2.54) favourites by PanBet to claim three points at Upton Park on Saturday afternoon, an away win is priced at 49/25 (2.96) and a stalemate is the largest of the match odds prices at 3.40 (12/5).

Both teams have a win and a loss under their belts in the Premier League but fared differently in the Capital One Cup in midweek. West Ham saw off Crewe while Sheffield Wednesday sent Fulham crashing out of the competition.

Sam Allardyce has been busy in the transfer market, bolstering his squad with the likes of Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll, which should help to ensure more cutting edge than they had against Swansea in the 3-0 loss.

Fulham pushed Manchester United all the way and despite losing 3-2 can take confidence from that result.

The early season form of these teams is difficult to read, especially with the transfer window action seemingly strenghtening West Ham, but potentially weakening Fulham with the departure of Mousa Dembele. Instead, it may be a safer option to back goals in the game.

Over 2.5 goals is available at a shade over even money 51/50 (2.02) while both teams to score is priced at 19/25 (1.76) as the new signings for both sides look to make an impact.

That's the main bet for this game as both sides look to have the ability to score goals, Fulham have already hit the back of the net eight times this season, while West Ham's new additions should improve their attack signficantly.

For a value bet, back Fulham to score in both halves at 61/20 (4.05), something they have managed to do in both of the previous Premier League games so far and with the likes of Damien Duff and new signing Mladen Petric in good form, they could trouble a Hammers defence which showed very little resistance against Swansea's frontline last time out.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both Teams to score at 19/25 (1.76) with PanBet

Fulham to score in both halves at 61/20 (4.05) with PanBet

Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
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