After Southampton’s emphatic win against no hopers Coventry City condemned West Ham to a play-off berth, let’s look at the Hammers opposition that we may face in the winner takes all competition and my predictions.
Thursday 3rd May Cardiff Away
The first game of the season is repeated in the play-offs and let’s hope that the result doesn’t follow suit. I can see the Hammers trying to blow the opposition apart in the first leg. The Bluebirds have struggled in front of goal all season so a strong lead will leave the Hammers in an excellent position. West Ham’s away form has been record breaking this season and I can’t see the away train stopping anytime soon for Big
Sam’s boys.
My prediction 3-1 to the Cockney boys!
Monday 7th May Cardiff at Home
West Ham will have to ensure a tight and professional display at what is bound to be a rocking atmosphere at the Boleyn. If anyone can organise a bore draw, Big Sam is the man. Cardiff will have to press and I can see either a blank or the hammers
nicking a goal to finish it.
My prediction 1-0 and off to the final we go!
Saturday 19th May The Final Birmingham/Blackpool
Birmingham will most certainly be the tougher opposition for the Hammers. The Brummies have become somewhat of a bogey team with Nikola Zigic always posing an ariel threat which two generations of West Ham defences have struggled
to deal with. It will be tough but on our second half performance still fresh in the Birmingham players memories the Hammers could have an edge over the Midland giants.
Birmingham have flourished despite difficult circumstances and little investment. Their manager ex Hammer Chris Hughton has worked wonders with his squad and their speed on the break will have to be watched as well as the ever dangerous Zigic.
My prediction 2-1 to the Cockney boys after extra time!
Blackpool have vital experience in the playoffs having won this competition with some of their current squad and their eccentric manager Ian Holloway. However, the Hammers have done the double over the Seasiders this campaign including a convincing 4-1 score line with midfielder Henri Lansbury taking over in goal from the 54th minute after Rob Green’s controversial dismissal.
Blackpool certainly have some experienced playing staff at their disposal with the likes of Barry Ferguson and Kevin Phillips providing top level quality but they are fragile at the back as the Hammers have proved this season.
My prediction 3-1 to the cockney boys!
Back to the big time for the mighty Hammers!
We’ll lose both semi-final games. This is West Ham – we’re useless under pressure always have been.
Way to keep the faith Realist. It’s muppets like you who don’t get behind the team when its needed. If theres a time to get behind the team then its now!! Or you can go and piss off back to Spurs.
COYI!!
If we can keep the goal’s coming then i feel we will be promoted.Carlton Cole, Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan your football club needs two big games from you.
The first game of the season is not repeated until Monday, not Thursday, if that’s what you mean by hoping the result doesn’t follow suit. I’ll be happy to get the same results home and away as the league games tbh because we will go through.
But as someone said, we will probably lose both
Im afraid i can not agree with the 2 guys that are obviously never happy. I believe there is no team in this league inc. The 2 already promoted that can beatus over 2 legaue right now, i could be wrong, but im not usually. Just the nerves of the final then, but we so can do it, come on lads this is when u need to stand up and be counted. COYI!!!!
west ham done there job last night 2.0 and should of been more if it wasnt for great saves from cardiff keeper and a miss by nolan and co i predict 2 more goals at home and a win ,job done coyis