West Ham v Sunderland Preview

West Ham welcome Sunderland to Upton Park this weekend looking to keep their 100% record at Upton Park, in the Premier League, intact. Sunderland though, under Martin O`Neill will have other ideas.

Injured in his first game for us, Sam Allardyce must be desperate to get Andy Carroll back onto the pitch. However, as we`ve reported before, Sam is keen to guide Andy through the healing process slowly.

Looking further ahead, Sam has spoken about Andy not being fit for the game against Sunderland but possibly the Arsenal one, which, as Sam explains brings about it`s own complications, with regards to Andy probably being wanted by Roy Hodgson and England,

"It would be something that would need a conversation between me and Roy to say that Andy is back but please be careful if he goes to England."

"I`m not saying, 'Don`t play him` but just be careful of the situation."

"The last thing we`d want is to spend all that time to get him fit again, play for us, go to England and get injured playing for England."

"His lack of first team appearances is a major concern to us, when we get him fit again."

"The situation for both of us is that we`d want Andy available as often and as quick as possible. If I was lucky to have him fit for Arsenal he wouldn`t play all game."

Although our star striker, albeit a loaned in one, is back in light training there`ll be no Andy Carroll in the squad tomorrow. As was the case last time out, we expect Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga to deputise.

Also still out is our midfielder, Jack Collison, who is still recovering from his knee injury.

West Ham could do with a captain`s performance tomorrow and a goal to get us going, preferably under a fair head of steam.

Martin O`Neill brings the 'Black Cats to East London with injury doubts over their recent signing Adam Johnson. The England international has a thigh problem.

Also not available for selection are Carlos Cuellar, Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown.

Signed from Wolves, the striker has got off to an impressive start with his new club, scoring three time sin his first two games.

Sunderland`s record at Upton Park isn`t anything to write home about. Although they may have won 3-0 the last time they visited, in the Premier League that is their only win in five fixtures at Upton Park.

In all matches between the club, some 82, West Ham have 32 victories compared to the 30 of Sunderland.

Our officials are:- Referee - L. Mason Assistants - M. Mullarkey and S. Beck Fourth Official - P. Dowd

This will be a no-nonsense tough fixture but I reckon we can just about edge it, by the odd goal in three, to keep that home record intact.

Our next Premier League fixture is against Queens Park Rangers, at Loftus Road.

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