West Ham v Sunderland Match Preview

Having just about calmed down after Sunday’s entertainment, it’s another chance for the Hammers to prove they have turned the corner with a tough trip to the land of Mackems.  Our comeback against Fulham was followed by the damp squib against Stoke, so it would be good avoid defeat and push on for the two home games against Villa and Everton.

Sunderland themselves are a different proposition this year, the purchase of Darren Bent proving particularly astute.  I’m just left wondering what would have become of us had we signed him a couple of seasons back.  Still, at least he is doing the business for them and not Spurs.  They are a pretty strong proposition at home, but their last two results of a defeat at Birmingham and being dumped out of the Carling after 120 minutes might have had an effect on them.  In addition, there are a few injuries, including our own George McCartney, who is anything but a favourite up there.  Campbell seems to be a definite non starter and bent is touch and go, which good news for us.

As for the Hammers, red card magnet Parker is out for this one, so it’s a simple swap with Kovac for me.  After their impressive cameos on Sunday, both Hines and Diamanti must start, and again Zola has got to give Noble a rest.  Here is my team;

Green

Illunga – Tomkins – Upson – Spector

Collison – Kovac – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Hines

Bench: Kurucz, Faubert, Franco, Noble, Da Costa, Stanislas, Dyer

Spector certainly did enough to earn another call up, it makes a big difference having a natural defender there and he will be need to do a job on Kieron Richardson who can be a threat down the wings.

Key Opponent: Kenwyne Jones seems to enjoy playing against us and we’ll do well to keep him quiet

Key Hammer: Diamanti can be a real driving force for us this season, let’s see if he fancies it on a cold day up north, unlike other mercurial Italians who have played for us.

Prediction: I reckon a bit of a scrappy affair, with the Hammers getting a bit of luck and nicking a 2-1 win.  Come on you Irons!!!

Comments

[iron man]

Nice post. I hope Sunday was our turning point to go on a good run. I think we will miss Parker so Kovac will have to raise his game. If we can keep things tight at the back our forwards are playing well and we will have a good chance for some more points. I thought Cole played exeptionally well and Diamante gave us that something we were lacking. S.A.F.C 1-3 W.H.U.F.C.
We can live in hope!

[TBI]

Turning point well and truly crushed me thinks....

[thfc1882]

Agreed tbi, Im over the dissapointment of the NLD and was horrified to see you lot two nil up against ten men but was well and truly cheered up by your collaspe - thanks.

[Paul Jeffrey]

Dear Hammers

I couldn't find a contact email for you so I hope you don't mind that I'm posting here.

I thought you might like this: http://www.no1fan.co.uk

We are introducing the West Ham No.1 Fan later this month, It's an official West Ham product and will hopefully raise a smile with your readers.

The chants were recorded with a season ticket holding Hammer and we think it's our best No.1 Fan yet.

Any feedback would be very welcome.

Kind regards

Paul Jeffrey
No.1 Fan

[thfc1882]

PAUL JEFFREY - are you mad!! WHUFC have ONE song and about 4 others that they share with chelsea and the anal.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have the best songs all exclusive to themselves (not nicked of others) tottenham from the lane, go marching in (slow version) if you know your history, glory glory and so many more.

You dont have a clue matey!!