Grant looking to boost job prospects by keeping Hammers' run going

 By James Milton 7:37PM 25 JAN 2011 WEST HAM are hoping to be on the road to Wembley as they visit Birmingham clutching a precious 2-1 first-leg lead in their Carling Cup semi-final.

But it could also be the road to redemption for boss Avram Grant, who was widely expected to be taking charge of his last game when the Hammers met Arsenal 11 days ago.

However, Grant is now 11-10 with Victor Chandler to keep his job at least until the end of the season, and that price will
surely shorten if the Londoners reach the final tonight.

They are 4-6 to qualify for Wembley, with the Blues 7-5, but both sides are battling for glory amid a backdrop of a fierce relegation battle. Bet365 offer 4-9 that at least one of the pair is relegated this season, while it is 6-1 that both are playing in the Championship next term.

Grant is Hills’ evens favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave his position but the firm have cut Birmingham’s boss Alex McLeish from 8-1 to 9-2.

Chelsea’s Carlo Ancelotti is 11-2 third-favourite and West Brom’s Roberto Di Matteo is 7-1.

Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Bolton on Monday boosted the Blues’ ailing title challenge and Bet365 are betting on how many points they take from their two games against leaders Manchester United.

They are 15-2 to claim the maximum six points from the crunch matches at Stamford Bridge on March 1 and Old Trafford on May 7.

Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool are going for back-to-back league wins when they take on Fulham at Anfield and the Scot is 10-11 with Hills to get the job on a permanent basis.

Martin O’Neill is next in the betting at 11-4 with Owen Coyle and Frank Rijkaard at 7-1.

Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers, who face Hearts and Hibs this evening, are Hills’s 11-4 joint-favourites to be the highest-scoring team tonight.

Hoffenheim have signed ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel in a deal thought to be worth around £6m, while Man City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has joined up with Real Madrid on loan until the end of the season.

Bet365 – how many of Birmingham and West Ham will be relegated? 4-9 one, 5-2 none, 6 two; how many points will Chelsea take from two games against Manchester United? 5-2 three, 10-3 one, 4 four, 5 none, 15-2 six, 9 two.
Hills –highest-scoring team (only these eight count): 11-4 Celtic, Rangers, 10-3 Liverpool, 4 Birmingham, 9 West Ham, 11 Hibs, 14 Hearts, 16 Fulham.

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