West Ham welcome bitter rivals Tottenham to Upton Park on Sunday hoping to end their so far impressive form at the start of the season.
Both teams are on 100% win records so far – West Ham having only played once, against newly promoted Wolves at Molineux, winning 2-0 and Spurs having played twice, beating Liverpool at home on the opening game of the season and Hull away just a few days ago in a 5-1 thrashing at the KC Stadium.
Spurs, of course managed by former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp, have never won their opening three fixtures of a Premier League season though conversely, West Ham have not won their opening two since 1997 – beating Spurs in the second match.
Vital Quotes:
Hammers Team News:
Herita Ilunga is absent through a jaw injury, so 18-year-old recent signing Fabio Daprela or Jonathan Spector are expected to deputise.
James Tomkins returns to availability from injury. Long term absentees Dean Ashton, Valon Behrami and Louis Boa Morte are the only other injury concerns for Gianfranco Zola.
Player to watch: Mark Noble
Scored West Ham’s first goal of the new Premier League season away to Wolves last Saturday in the 2-0 win with a thunderous strike. Looks in form.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News:
Heurelho Gomes picked up a groin injury against Hull midweek, so Carlo Cudicini is likely to replace the Brazilian keeper.
Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Dawson and Gareth Bale are all also unavailable through injury.
Player to watch: Jermain Defoe
Ex-Hammer Defoe scored two in a man of the match performance recently for England against Holland, not to mention a hat-trick for Spurs away to Hull recently. Will want to score against his old club.
Match Facts & Stats
West Ham have not scored against Spurs in last three league matches.
Spurs are unbeaten in last three league matches at Upton Park.
Ref Watch:
Mark Clattenburg.
Match Prediction:
Spurs to score first and dominate, but Carlton Cole to come up with the goods and equalise. 1-1.
Next Fixtures:
Millwall (h)
Upton Park
Tuesday, 25th August 2009, 19:45
Carling Cup
