West Ham v Cardiff, English Championship, Sunday, 1pm
WEST HAM saw joint Championship favourites Leicester open with a win on Saturday and Sam Allardyce's men will be desperate to make a similar flying start.
The Hammers face an interesting test against a Cardiff side much-changed in manager and personnel.
Allardyce is under pressure to deliver success right away and return the Londoners to the top flight at the first attempt while ex-Watford boss Malky Mackay is likely to target the play-offs.
The Hammers look the side more prepared for a fast start and I reckon this will be a home win against an outfit likely to hurt by the loss of Craig Bellamy, Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd.
William Hill go a biggest 5-6 on West Ham while the Welsh are a best 4-1 with Stan James.
Mackay's Watford rarely sat back and scored plenty of goals so a case can be made for both teams to score at 17-20 with Chandler.
Allardyce has signed a gem in Kevin Nolan and the former Newcastle and Bolton hitman is 13-2 with Paddy Power to net first and 21-10 with the firm just to score.
Recommendations
- West Ham (5-6, William Hill)
- Kevin Nolan to score (21-10, Paddy Power)