West Ham can pick up a Premier League point at Swansea

Holly Thackeray | December 18, 2015

Swansea City v West Ham United

Bielsa lurking in background?

Rudderless Swansea City host West Ham United at the Liberty Stadium, though it may not be quite the daunting prospect it would have been a few months ago.

The Hammers are still missing main maestro Dimitri Payet and the goals that were previously flowing under new boss Slaven Bilic have dried up.

Both teams are coincidentally without a Premier League win since October 24th, a stretch of six games, making a draw at 23/10 with Coral, a repeat result of the Irons’ last two trips to the Liberty Stadium, the most tempting result to back.

Though, the Swans seem to have turned a corner after dismissing coach and former playing hero Garry Monk, as they showed much more attacking intent last time out against Manchester City, peppering Joe Hart’s goal, and are 21/20 match favourites.

Rumours also continue to swirl that mercurial manager Marcelo Bielsa is on the verge of being recruited as Monk’s replacement, which would certainly give proceedings in Wales a boost if announced in time.

Hammers chipping away

Of course, it is always dangerous to write off this West Ham outfit (11/4) as, before a recent slump, they were swashbuckling away from home, claiming several big scalps.

The Liberty Stadium will hold no fear then, and Bilic will be keen to halt a run of three successive draws, with sturdy centre half Winston Reid’s absence perhaps making this match a little more open and unpredictable. Punters can back there to be over 3.5 goals in this fixture featuring defensively shaky sides, at a plum price of 3/1.

Hammers battering-ram Andy Carroll (7/4 in the anytime market) especially, will be looking forward to his Liberty visit, having hit four in as many of his last outings against the Welsh club.

Speaking ahead of the match, Carroll said of his upcoming battle with Swans skipper Ashley Williams: “It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in that one.

“I enjoy that battle and someone who likes the physical challenge. I’m sure he enjoys it as well and he’ll be looking forward to it just as much as me.”

Gomis to grab another goal

As for the Swansea strikeforce, French frontman Bafetimbi Gomis ended his personal drought against City, and is now 9/2 to net first, while partner in crime Andre Ayew is 5/1 to have the final say.

For more Hammers attacking hopes, Argentine schemer Mauro Zarate (2/1 to score anytime) is always capable of the sublime, and hitman Nikica Jelavic looks tasty at the same price in that market.

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Coral’s top tip: Carroll just loves scoring against the Swans so is superb at 7/4 to do so again anytime.