West Ham vs Stoke – Spoils have been shared already this season
Published:Both Avram Grant and Tony Pulis are unlikely to make many changes from the sides that featured on Saturday as both teams look to progress through to the latter stages of the Carling Cup.
Matthew Upson is unlikey to start after hobbling off on Saturday, and it could mean a return for Tal Ben Haim who may partner James Tomkins as Grant looks to return to winning ways after the defeat to Newcastle.
Matthew Etherington and Danny Collins are doubts after picking up knocks, and Etherington is a big loss for Stoke after assisting almost 50% of Stokes goals this season.
Match Odds
The defeat to Newcastle United has confirmed that West Ham will be in a relegation battle this season, but the Carling Cup offers some respite for the Hammers and they will be hopeful of returning winning ways against Stoke and are 5/4 to do so.
The late defeat to Manchester United was a blow to a Stoke side that has started the season strongly, but Tuncay could be handed a start after scoring on the weekend and Stoke are 11/5 to win.
But after the two sides played out a draw earlier in the season in the Premier League, this tie could be settled in injury time or through penalties, and, at 9/4, the draw looks the best value.
Should the draw occur, West Ham are 4/7 to qualify and Stoke City are 5/4 to qualify.
Total Goals
The ties between the two sides don’t usually produce many goals, in the last nine games there have only been three or more goals in two ties and under 2.5 goals is available at 93/100.
A 1-1 draw is available at 11/2 and looks the pick of the correct results considering recent form between the two.
Carlton Cole is 6/1 to score first. See the full West Ham United vs Stoke City betting odds here.
