Premier League Quick Picks - West Ham vs. Chelsea

The Premier League title race is a three-horse race – so says Gus Hiddink and his men. Chelsea are in third spot at 68 points, three points below second place Liverpool and six points below top of the table Manchester United. Chelsea will hope to keep the pressure on the top duo with a victory over West Ham United on Saturday.

Meanwhile, West Ham United are embroiled in a race for a seventh spot finish and a UEFA Cup berth. In the race for their place in the tournament are Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Fulham and Wigan Athletic as well. This last push is so important to West Ham and the rest that every match counts. Home advantage is seen as the best chance to gain points and nail down a spot in European competition. But can West Ham hold Chelsea at bay at Boleyn Ground?

Soccer Betting Line:

West Ham United +½ Ev +350 2½ O +115 U -135 1 O +110 U -140 Draw +235

Chelsea FC -½ -120 -120 1½ 2½ O +115 U -135 O Ev U -130 Draw +235

Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Saturday April 25 2009

Venue: Boleyn Ground

Soccer Betting Verdict: The Blues are flying-high lately and are coming off a successful two weeks in all competitions. They moved to the UEFA Cup semis with eliminating Liverpool FC in the quarters and they secured a invite to the FA Cup final at Wembley when they defeated Arsenal. In domestic action, they are undefeated in their last three matches – two wins and a draw. They beat Bolton 4:3 and drew Everton 0:0 at home, and beat Newcastle United 2:0 on the away. Overall, on the away, they are 3-0-3 in their last six. Might there be hope for West Ham?

West Ham United are seventh in the league table but only a point separates them from eighth place Fulham and ninth placed Tottenham. With this season’s final push a scramble to secure advantageous spots in the table each match is of climactic importance. West Ham needs to finish in the top seven if they hope to secure a UEFA Cup spot. But gunning for the same finish is Fulham and Tottenham.

Chelsea have a Champions League commitment coming up so Gus Hiddink might rest up some of his key players but then again he can ill-afford to jeopardize the domestic bid for the title. So methinks he will still field a strong line-up. West Ham will have an uphill battle on their hands. They have enjoyed good form at home but Chelsea is at a different level than the rest of the playing field.

Best Soccer BETS: Chelsea -120 | Over 2.5 goals +115