Friday, March 4, 2011

West Ham v Stoke Preview: Demba Ba Crucial in Bid to Close the Gap

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Demba BaPREMIER LEAGUE: UPTON PARK, SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 GMT

West Ham picked up three precious points by beating Liverpool 3-1 last week and they will be keen to add another maximum from Stoke's visit to Upton Park.

That win took them off the bottom of the table and another three points would take them to within catching distance of the Potters, who will kick off in tenth spot.

It is exceptionally tight in the wrong half of the table and Tony Pulis' side will certainly not wish to be dragged any further into a relegation battle that could also see Everton and Blackburn unwillingly involved. Indeed, just 10 points separate Bolton in seventh from bottom club Wigan.

But whatever happens at Upton Park this weekend it is clear that West Ham have no long-term future there: their bid to move into the London Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games has been ratified by the Government and London Mayor Boris Johnson, to the annoyance of League One Leyton Orient, who fear it will hit their gates hard.




Key Match-up: Demba Ba v Ryan Shawcross. Ba has been an instant hit at West Ham since arriving at Upton Park in January - once his move to Stoke had collapsed on medical grounds. Shawcross will be given the task of making sure the Potters don't end up regretting that decision

Form Guide: In Premier League action, West Ham have won two, drawn one and lost one since the end of January. Stoke have won just once in the Premier League since the transfer window closed, losing three and drawing one.

Odds: West Ham 6/5, Stoke 9/4, Draw 12/5

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/03/04/west-ham-v-stoke-preview-demba-ba-crucial-in-bid-to-close-the-g/

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