The first Semi-Final in the Carling Cup will meet two Premier League teams, West Ham and Birmingham.
It’s important to notice that the semi-finals are played in 2 legs, so nothing is final after the first game.
West Ham takes this cup seriously and has eliminated 3 Premier League teams already, starting with Sunderland, Stoke City and Manchester United. The victory against United made West Ham the first team to beat United this season in any competition. The score of the game was impressive as well 4:0.
Birmingham eliminated 3 lower league teams, before they went up against Aston Villa, their local opponent. A win with 2:1 qualified them in the semi-finals. In the 4 games Birmingham has played in London against West Ham, their record reads W1 D1 L2. All of those games have been in the season for Premier League.
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West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne believes that his team can raise the Carling Cup this year. Together with Carlton Cole they are priced to score in this game at 2.75.
All of the games but one, of both teams until this phase of the tournament have ended Over 2.5 Goals. The odds for that bet are 2.10. However since the semi-finals are in 2 legs, Birmingham doesn’t really need a victory here, although it will be nice. A minimal loss or a draw will still give them chances for qualification.
Personally I would back West Ham in this game, due to the fact that the team plays very well in Carling Cup and was able to eliminate much better than Birmingham like United. Although the Hammers are doing poorly in the league they have what it takes to win here.
Recommended Bet:
West Ham to win @ 2.25 (Bet365)
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