Prediction and odds: Derby (7/2) vs West Ham (4/5)

We’re backing Draw/West Ham (HT/FT) at 7/2

When: Monday, 30th January 2023 – 7.45pm KO (GMT)

Where: Pride Park

Derby County will attempt to spring an FA Cup upset on Monday as they meet West Ham United in the fourth round.

Derby

It’s been a turbulent time for Derby County fans over the course of the last few years. So much so, in fact, that there was a big worry the club may go out of business. Alas, they’re still alive and kicking, and they are currently chasing down promotion back to the second tier after a stint in League One. Based on the momentum they are building for themselves, we’d say they’re in with a pretty good shot.

After starting off their year with a 4-0 demolition of Accrington Stanley, the Rams went on to beat Barnsley in the third round of the FA Cup. They kept that run going with a 3-2 success against Cheltenham, and then when put up against Bolton and Port Vale, they were able to beat both and make it five straight wins to kickstart 2023 in style.

West Ham

West Ham United are slowly trying to get the fans back on their side. It’s going to take a while, though, given that they’re still lingering down towards the bottom of the Premier League table. David Moyes knows he has a lot of work ahead of him but given the squad he has at his disposal, they shouldn’t be looking behind them – they should be looking ahead to a much, much brighter future.

Following on from a dramatic 2-2 draw with Leeds, West Ham edged past Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup. They proceeded to lose 1-0 to Wolves in a vital relegation six-pointer, and then in their last outing, they secured a much-needed win and three points as they saw off the challenge of Everton in the capital.

Conclusion

Derby are going to give as good as they get here and with a passionate home crowd behind them, it’s not hard to picture the hosts causing West Ham some real problems. In fact, after the Hammers take the lead in the first half, we think they’ll be able to peg them back and leave it even heading into the break.

It’ll be a tight affair with County going everything in their power to make it physical and uncomfortable. It’ll work for a while, but the boys from the third tier will begin to tire as West Ham get into a rhythm.

They’ll score a late winner to ensure their progress into the fifth round but in a general sense, Derby fans will still be proud of their performance – even in defeat.

Our tips (all taken from bet365): Draw/West Ham (HT/FT) at 7/2 + over 2.5 goals at 1/1

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