Amex Stadium, Monday, 7.45pm, Sky Sports 2
IT'S a tough call in the Championship on Monday as two off-form sides meet in the live match.
Brighton have gone six without a win after an electric start to the season while the Hammers haven't won in three and crashed to Southampton in midweek.
To me there is no sign of a change in Brighton's fortunes while the visitors' loss of form has coincided with injuries to key players such as Henri Lansbury, Mark Noble and Matty Taylor.
Of those three only Noble has a chance of starting at the Amex and that fact stops me going all out on a West Ham win.
Sam Allardyce's side haven't been brilliantly consistent but defeat at St Mary's to the leaders was their first away this season and that's an impressive stat.
I don't see them losing and while it's a risk taking them at 6-4 at Stan James they should be safe on the double chance. Blue Square go 4-9.
Brighton are a best 21-10 with William Hill while the draw pays 5-2 at Chandler.
The sides possess a goal threat so consider both to score at 4-6 with bet365 and Ladbrokes.
John Carew has netted in two of West Ham's last three outings and is my choice for first scorer at 13-2 with William Hill and Stan James. He will be partnered up front by Sean Baldock who hit a double in the recent home win against Blackpool. He is 13-2 at Paddy Power and Betfred.
Scotland star Craig Mackail-Smith is Brighton's top scorer with five and is 6-1 with Paddy Power and Betfred to break the deadlock.
Hopefully the game will follow the trend set in the Premier League yesterday and feature loads of goals. Over 2.5 looks good value at 10-11 with William Hill.
Recommendations
Over 2.5 goals
(10-11, William Hill)
Both teams to score
(4-6, bet365, Ladbrokes)
Carew to score first
(13-2, William Hill, Stan James)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
