But Saturday night’s clash with Man Utd at Upton Park could go against type and serve up a decent match full of goals.

The key here is Man Utd. Usually West Ham roll over when the Red Devils roll into town.

But David Moyes side are a fragile lot these days despite their midweek Champions League win.

And that could force Sam Allardyce’s hand from his usual cautious approach against “top” sides to a more attacking strategy.

Betting Spy was at Old Trafford last week to watch Liverpool’s humbling of their hosts. And what a horror show it was for the home supporters.

Luckily most of them in our posh seats – courtesy of Willmott Dixon – were too busy taking photos and admiring the ground to take much notice of Moyes’ men unraveling on the pitch.

Some of the fans wouldn’t recognise Patrice Evra if he came up in the stands and marked them.

Which he might as well have done having not been in the same post code as any Liverpool forward during the whole 90 minutes.

That should set-off a light bulb moment for Allardyce who can set Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis loose on the wings to bomb balls in for Andy Carroll to create havoc.

It’s not big and it’s not clever but it might be very effective on Saturday against Man Utd’s fragile back four.

Of course West Ham are far from watertight at the back and should ship a few themselves – particularly if Robin Van Persie recovers from injury.

The circumstances of his knock on Wednesday were bafflingly described by Moyes as “he has got a knee in the back of his knee.”

Now Van Persie is dangerous enough with two knees but this third knee could be a whole new threat.

So, medical pedantry aside, the way to make cash on this one is to bet on goals.

West Ham are over-priced at 10/3 but years of financial pain have taught me not to trust them so let’s get on Paddy Power’s 11/5 on four goals or more and keep our knees crossed for a thriller.

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Running Total for all bets this season to a £10 stake: £-10.00