Norwich v West Ham Preview

The Hammers head off to Norfolk this Saturday to take on Norwich City. The fixture kicks off at 12:45 so it`s an early rise for the traveling Hammers support, although there is an ideal chance for a weekend beside the seaside, at Great Yarmouth, as the last of the summer sun peers between the clouds.

Hammers fans will be hoping that their team can put on a better performance than on their last away venture when they crashed 3-0 to Swansea.

Chris Hughton could be without three key players for the fixture. Russell Martin is struggling to recover from an ankle injury picked up in their last fixture, against Tottenham whilst Elliott Bennett remains out with a knee injury. Steven Whittaker is expected to be another absentee due to an ankle problem.

A bustling centre forward who scored more Premier League goals than many expected last season. A contract hassle almost saw him leave this summer but the striker did put pen-to-paper to sign a fresh deal, to the delight of the Canaries fans.

The Hammers will be without their prize acquisition in Andy Carroll for this encounter. The pony-tailed striker is sidelined with a hamstring injury and we expect Carlton Cole to deputize or could Modibo Maiga be given a run out.

Also absent will be Jack Collison who is nearing full fitness but not quite there yet.

Last time out, for an away game, Big Sam went a little defensive playing James Tomkins in front of the back four, will we see a similar ploy again?

Was the best player, on the pitch, by far, in the game against Fulham and West Ham supporters will be hoping that his silky skills can swing the game their way.

West Ham have started the season well, at home, notching up successive home victories whilst succumbing, on the road, to Swansea. Norwich started the season poorly losing heavily (5-0) to Fulham on the opening day, but Chris Hughton`s team managed to pull off a respectable draw, at Spurs, last time out.

In the last 5 matches between the two sides, West Ham have the upper hand. The Hammers have won the last 2 and drew the 3 before that.

In fact Norwich have only one home win against West Ham, in the Premier League, that coming on 27th August 1994.

But we should also point out that West Ham, as far as the league goes, have not registered an away win at Carrow Road in the last 14 attempts only managing to draw 6 and lose 8, the last win in the league, at Carrow Road being on 10th February 1973.

Our officials are:- Referee - C. Foy Assistants - R. Ganfield and H. Lennard Fourth Official - J. Moss

If I`m to be perfectly honest, I`d be happy with a draw. If we can keep picking up points at home and the odd point on the road, then we`ll achieve our aim of ensuring survival in the Premier League.

Next time out, in the Premier League, we entertain Sunderland

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