West Ham will be hoping to put the troubles of the last week behind them as they travel north to play Blackburn.
The club’s reputation had been damaged in the past few days following large scale football violence and hooliganism in Tuesday’s Carling Cup clash against Millwall.
On the pitch, West Ham have recorded one win and a draw so far in the league, while Blackburn are looking to collect their first point of the season.
Blackburn Rovers Team News:
Pascal Chimbonda is poised to make his Rovers debut after signing from Tottenham in the past few days. Fellow new boy Michel Salgado is short of match fitness so will not play.
Franco Di Santo, Brett Emerton, Ryan Nelsen and Steven Reid are all ruled out through injury but Benni McCarthy may return from the sidelines.
Player to watch: Christopher Samba
Tall, intimidating defender Samba is a threat at either end of the pitch.
Hammers Team News:
New signing Alessandro Diamanti did not sign in time to make the squad so will miss out.
Herita Ilunga remains sidelined with a jaw injury and Savio is absent with a virus.
Long term absentees Dean Ashton, Valon Behrami and Louis Boa Morte are all out.
Player to watch: Jack Collison
Put in a man of the match performance against Millwall midweek so soon after the death of his father.
Match Facts & Stats
The last time West Ham failed to score against Blackburn in any competition was in October 1998 in a 3-0 loss at Ewood Park.
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd.
Match Prediction:
West Ham to nick it 1-0, Jack Collison to score.
Next Fixtures:
Wigan Athletic (a)
DW Stadium
Saturday, 12th September 2009, 15:00
