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The out-of-form hosts welcome an injury-hit West Ham side to the Hawthorns, and Jamie Dickenson thinks it will be a tight match that looks set to end as a draw

West Brom's early season promise has started to falter after a torrid run of three Premier League games without victory.

Steve Clarke's lauded Baggies had praise heaped on them as they made it into the Champions League places, but they have struggled for form recently.

The will be hopeful of returning to winning ways on home soil with bet365 offering a price of Evens (2.0) that they do so, but that seems a little short to back considering they have only managed one goal from their last three outings.

Visitors West Ham were beaten 3-2 by Liverpool last weekend, and will be hoping the Albion's blip continues as they try and bounce back with a win themselves.

You can back Sam Allardyce's side at 3.75 (11/4), but while West Brom aren’t in great form they will be stronger at home and for that reason it looks like the draw is the best match bet at 3.50 (5/2).

This prediction is reinforced by the statistic that the last three fixtures between these two sides have ended in stalemates, with the last encounter finishing in an enthralling 3-3 scoreline.

Add into the mix that West Ham are without the injured Mohamed Diame and Andy Carroll, and it becomes apparent that both managers would probably settle for a point.

Goals could be coming though, with the Hammers scoring five in their last two games, and although West Brom have been quiet in front of goal recently they do have enough talent in their attack to cause their opponents problems.

With an average of 5.5 goals netted in the last two fixture's between these teams at the Hawthorns, supporting the trend could be profitable again.

Over 4.5 scores is available at 4.5 (11/2), while the more conservative option of over 3.5 goals is priced at 3.25 (9/4). Over 2.5 is still a worthwhile 1.9 (9/10).

Carlton Cole has done well for West Ham since coming into the side to replace Carroll - scoring a header against his old club Chelsea - and he's a decent bet to strike anytime at 3.60 (13/5).

And for West Brom, Shane Long has two in four games and could add to his tally with the first strike at 6.50 (11/2).

For the best of the bets though, the over 2.5 market looks a solid selection offering odds of 1.9 (9/10) while the potential for this one to end all square at 3.50 (5/2) is the value selection.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Over 2.5 goals 1.9 (9/10) with Bet365

Draw with Bet365 at 3.50 (5/2)

Jamie Dickenson is a 22-year-old freelance journalist who specialises in football, sports and betting.
You can follow Jamie on and read more of his work here 

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