Watching Swansea stage a classic semi-final smash-and-grab raid was enough to gladden the heart of all but the bluest of fans.

It wasn’t so long ago the Swans were entertaining the likes of Rochdale and York in front of a few thousand at the Vetch.

Now they are playing great football after building themselves up steadily without the help of a billionaire benefactor.

Star striker Michu cost them £2m.

Christ knows what Abramovich thinks watching his £50m “striker” Fernando Torres lumbering around the pitch.

The fans have finally had enough with Torres and openly abused him on Thursday night now a more effective replacement in Demba Ba is straining at the leash.

Chelsea travel to Stoke on Saturday – and I wouldn’t put anyone off backing the home side at what looks a very big 3/1.

But for my main bet I’m going to break a golden rule – and back West Ham on the road up North.

Something mystical used to happen to the Hammers once they breached the M25.

All fighting spirit seemed to stay on the coach as the claret-and-blue towel was thrown in with depressing regularity.

But Big Sam’s West Ham are made of sterner stuff and the big man has got January off to flyer with some shrewd business in the transfer window.

Joe Cole showed flashes of past glories against Man Utd last week and he can add that touch of inspiration to Allardyce’s organisation and work ethic.

West Ham travel to Sunderland where the Black Cats have been far from convincing this season and have lost already to Villa, West Brom, Chelsea and Spurs.

The Hammers are 9/4 with Paddy Power so let’s get on.

And hopefully they’ll fly this time and leave that cursed coach in East London.

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Running Total for all 2013 bets to a £10 stake:   £-20.00