The Championship: Portsmouth v West Ham Odds and Betting Preview

PORTSMOUTH, UK – Portsmouth F.C. host high-flying West Ham this afternoon in their Championship clash at Fratton Park. West Ham are currently second in the league table – behind Southampton only on goal difference – and unsurprisingly start today’s game as 8/5 (bet £5 to make £8 profit) favourites with Bet Victor. For those punters expecting a victory for the home side, however, Michael Appleton’s Portsmouth side can be backed at 19/10 with Paddy Power, whilst the draw is available at a market best of 23/10 with Skybet.

If West Ham secure a better result than Southampton today – who are playing away against Nottingham Forest – then they will go top of the Championship for the first time this season. Sam Allardyce’s side undoubtedly have automatic promotion to the top flight firmly in their sights at the end of the season, and know that going top of the Championship would be a powerful display of intent. The Hammers, however, have only registered two league wins in their last six outings, and need to recapture their best form. There would be no better way to start than with an emphatic win over Portsmouth today. Portsmouth, however, will do their utmost to upset West Ham’s aspirations. The stage is set for an intriguing encounter.

In the over/under betting the top price on over 2.5 goals being scored in today’s game is 6/5 with Ladbrokes, whilst under 2.5 goals is on offer at a market best of 3/4 with Bet Victor. For those punters expecting this crucial fixture to end in a goalless draw, however, with both sides canceling each other out defensively, under 0.5 goals can be backed at longer odds of 10/1 with Stan James.

Carlton Cole has been a dangerous presence in front of goal for West Ham this season, netting eight goals in the Championship already. Unsurprisingly Cole starts today’s game as the favourite to open the scoring, and can currently be backed at best odds of 6/1 with Bet365. Cole’s team mate, Sam Baldock, is also deemed dangerous by the bookmakers at 7/1 with Paddy Power, whilst John Carew is available at identical odds of 7/1 with Bet Victor to be the first name on the score sheet. Portsmouth’s most threatening forward, on the other hand, is thought to be Luke Varney, who is on offer at best odds of 17/2 with Bet365 to break the deadlock.

West Ham are quoted at best odds of 10/3 with William Hill to win the game after leading at half time, whilst draw/West Ham is on offer at 5/1 with Paddy Power. Draw/Portsmouth, on the other hand, is available at 6/1 with Coral, whilst those punters who think that Portsmouth will fight back to win the game after trailing at half time can back West Ham/Portsmouth at odds as long as 40/1 with Boylesports.

Kick-Off is at 15.00 GMT

Portsmouth v West Ham Match Odds

Portsmouth v West Ham Over/Under Odds

Portsmouth v West Ham First Goalscorer Odds

Portsmouth v West Ham Half-Time/Full-Time Odds