Premiership Wigan v West Ham

Posted on | April 27, 2007 | No Comments

This is without doubt the six pointer of the day, with second bottom West Ham just 3 points behind Wigan, who are 5th bottom, but just 2 points above the last relegation places.  The Hammers will be looking to end this week on a high after today’s news that they will be hit with a £5.5 million fine for withholding important details regarding the registration of overseas stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Macherano earlier in the season. 

Many believe that the Hammers have got off lightly with no points deductions, which could be worth much more than the £5.5 million fine if they were to retain their premiership status.

After starting well, Wigan have seen the second half of their season collapse and the team slide down the premiership table.  The influential Lee McCulloch is likely to return after missing the Liverpool game, although Ryan Taylor is doubtful with a foot injury and Antonio Valencia is seeing out  a three match ban – at the worst time of the season.

While West Ham will need to complete the re-signing of Carlos Tavez’s after the league’s ruling about withholding important documentation, they look like doing so in time for him to face Wigan.  The impressive Matthew Upson will see out the season from the touchline, as will the injured Danny Gabbidon.

Both teams have shown a fighting spirit when the chips are down, although Saturday’s game will not be for the faint hearted.  The two teams are not exactly firing on all cylinders of late, indicating that the game may be a battle of nerve and commitment.  In games between the clubs this season, the away team have always turned out victorious. 

West Ham have the harder task, being 3 points from safety as well as having an inferior goal difference on the teams above them.  They also face champions elect Manchester United at Old Trafford on the last day of the season, with United possibly looking to sow up the title. 

While Wigan have not been impressive of late it seems that West Ham have all of the chips stacked against them – unrest in the team, the fine this week and their position in the league. Wigan have more of a cushion than the Hammers and Paul Jewell has a habit of delivering when it matters.  I fear the Hammers will not be “blowing bubbles” on Saturday, as they slide closer to relegation.

Forecast : Home Win

Related posts:

1. Premiership Manchester United v West Ham
2. Premiership Wigan v Middlesbrough
3. Premiership Sheffield United v Wigan
4. Premiership West Ham v Bolton
5. Premiership Aston Villa v Wigan

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