West Ham vs Chelsea Betting Tips

As a former Hammer, Frank Lampard knows exactly the type of atmosphere Chelsea will face in east London, and when the star midfielder starts using such strong language such as war in the pre-match build up - bookings players ears should prick up with immediate effect. West Ham fans have never forgiven his cross-capital switch to Stamford Bridge, and so Lampard is sure to receive his normal hot reception, as will Joe Cole who if selected will be facing his old team at Upton Park for the first time. Add into the mix a game that could ultimately determine a title and relegation issue in one foul swoop then it is doesn't take a genius to work out that this fixture has the potential to be of an explosive nature. West Ham look for all money as though they are going to be mixing it with Coca-Cola Championship sides next season - not Barclaycard Premiership clubs - after their crushing defeat away to Sheffield United at the weekend. Now the Hammers have to contemplate a visit from the quadruple-chasing Chelsea, a side that are unbeaten in their last 19 in all competitions. If there is something positive for Alan Curbishley and his charges to hang on to as they approach this game, it's that they are more than capable of getting a result against the big guns at the Boleyn Ground. Indeed, the Eastenders have beaten both Arsenal and Man Utd at home this season, and they gave Liverpool a good run for their money before eventually succumbing to a narrow defeat. Needless to say, it's always dangerous to underestimate a team when they are fighting for survival, as West Ham are. However, given that the Blues are three points adrift of title race leaders United - and bearing in mind that they will be entertaining the Red Devils in a potential crunch match at Stamford Bridge before the curtain falls on the season - Jose Mourinho's men cannot afford to head back to south west London without three points. But the most predictable aspect of this game is a certain match officials love of brandishing brightly-coloured cards. Indeed, in charge on Wednesday night is Mike Riley, a referee who despite many years at the top level now hasn't lost his love of flashing his cards around. We need only think back a few weeks to the FA Cup quarter-final involving Chelsea and Spurs when nine players were booked. Just under two months ago, Roma and Lyon players were collecting a record breaking eleven cautions between them in the Champions League. There have been the odd occasion this season when Riley has infuriated bookings players, most notably when Preston took on Manchester City in the FA Cup. On that occasion Riley was clearly saving his pencil for Roma and Lyon a few days later. Apart from the odd match this season, the Yorkshire ref can be relied onto produce if circumstances suit. Wednesday night will see two teams go hammer and tongs at each other, and whoever is losing and with it in all probability the title or their top flight spot could lose the plot. Going on the assumption in which both teams are fully committed in a hostile environment, it is safe to assume the yellow card will be seen on several occasions. With this in mind, take advantage of bluesq's 50+ points at odds of 23/20. 10points are awarded for a yellow card, and 25points for a red with a maximum of 35points for one player. We will also recommend taking the 10/3 on a player being shown red, and a small stake on 18/1 in the jackpot scenario of both teams being reduced to 10. Mike Riley has produced six reds in the Premiership this season, and thirteen in all his matches. Verdict: 20pts 50+ booking points @ 32/203pts red card @ 10/31pt red card for both teams @ 18/1 (All with Blue Square)