WHUFC.com
Craig Bellamy is fired up to face Hull City while potential strike partner
Carlton Cole is also confident
17.10.2008
Craig Bellamy is looking to reap the rewards of his international exertions
with good form for West Ham United this weekend.
On World Cup duty with Wales, the striker played 80 minutes in the 2-0 home
win against Azerbaijan last Saturday before following that up with a full
run-out in Wednesday's unlucky 1-0 reverse in Germany. After three
substitute appearances for West Ham United, the extended run-outs have given
his fitness levels a considerable boost.
"For me confidence wise, this is brilliant," he said, with his focus
switched to the Sunday trip to fellow high-fliers Hull City. "It is
incredible for me personally to just come off after 90 minutes and I feel
great hopefully ready to play Sunday. Maybe I need a bit more sharpness but
it will come."
With manager Gianfranco Zola favouring a three-man forward line, Bellamy
will have plenty of competition for a starting berth. David Di Michele,
Matthew Etherington, Freddie Sears and new recruit Diego Tristan could all
be in contention - along of course with in-form Carlton Cole who has four
goals in eight appearances this campaign.
Cole is ready to continue that run against Hull City but is well aware the
newcomers are tough opponents. "We know they are a good outfit, but we just
have to go there confident in trying to break them down and get as much out
of the game as possible. They have got a good work ethic about them but we
know we have to work hard and use our quality and get a good result."
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Derby date for U18s
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr is looking for his team to build on last weekend's positives
against Chelsea on Saturday
17.10.2008
Tony Carr is looking forward to West Ham United Under-18s taking on Chelsea
Under-18s at Little Heath this weekend.
The Academy side drew 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace last Saturday and Carr
is expecting another difficult derby encounter. "Chelsea at home will be a
good test for us. "Every game is a challenge for the players and it is all
part and parcel of improving as a team and as players. We will take a lot of
positives into the game. This is our last game for a fortnight as we have
got a free weekend coming up."
Carr will hope for another strong defensive showing, having been delighted
with the way his rearguard coped with a physical Palace team last time out.
Goals against from set-pieces had been a feature of the early games this
season, so he was particularly content with a clean sheet. "The only time
Palace really threatended was at set-plays.
"They were a big powerful team but the defence held firm and Adam Street was
not really called upon to make any spectacular saves. We have been conceding
set-pieces. We have changed our priorities on marking now and we dealt with
what they threw at us quite well. I was pleased with that and hopefully we
can take that on."
Saturday's visitors Chelsea are coming off the back of a 4-3 home defeat by
Southampton, who will be the next opponents for Carr's side after this
weekend. Following the break, West Ham United will make the trip to the
south coast to face the Saints - always strong at this level - on Saturday 1
November. The kick-off against Chelsea is 11am.
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All the odds for Sunday
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the trip to Hull City check out the latest from Jaxx, the club's
official online sports betting partner
17.10.2008
It is perhaps not the best time to be playing newly-promoted Hull City, who
have refreshingly taken the Barclays Premier League by storm and go into the
weekend on the back of four wins and three draws in their first seven games.
The home side are just three points behind Chelsea and Liverpool in the
early standings. West Ham United have had two weeks to think about their
first home defeat of the season and know they will still jump above Hull in
the table if they win at KC Stadium.
The Hammers are 41/20 to earn their second consecutive away win of the
season, while their hosts are 27/20 with online bookmakers JAXX. The draw is
available at 9/4.
You can back Gianfranco Zola's side with a mythical goal head-start at 9/20
on the Handicap market - Hull are 7/2 to win by two clear goals or more. A
Tigers' win by the odd goal (a draw on the handicap) is on offer at 27/10.
West Ham United have been in front at the interval in four of their seven
Barclays Premier League games so far - and they have gone on to win all of
them. You can back the Hammers at 3/1 to be in front at the break and at
full time.
Zola's team have gone in at half-time on level terms twice. That's been a
bad omen this season, as they have subsequently lost both of those games.
The odds for that to happen on Sunday are 9/2.
You can also back the half-time result with JAXX. West Ham United are 49/20
to win the first half, but be warned - City have been behind just once at
the break in their seven games. Hull have won the first half in three of
their last four outings and they are 2/1 to do so again against the Hammers.
The half-time draw is available at 17/20.
Hull have a happy knack of scoring the first goal in the game lately. They
can be backed at 17/20 to do what they have done in their last four league
games. The odds for West Ham United to grab the first goal are 17/20. No
goal is on offer at 6/1.
JAXX offer 4/5 that both teams score and the same price that one or other
fails to register.
Register with JAXX, place your first bet and you will get a FREE matching
bet to the value of your own stake, up to £25. For example, if your first
bet is £25, it will be doubled and you will get another £25 to bet
absolutely free! Your free bet will be credited to your account within 48
hours of placing your first bet with JAXX.
That might be worth remembering if recent form is anything to go by, for one
bet that has paid off for Hammers' fans in each of their league games this
season is the amount of goals scored in each game. Games involving West Ham
United have produced three goals or more every time. It is 17/20 that more
than 2.5 goals will be scored in total at Hull. A successful £25 bet at
those odds would see you walking away with £46.25.
For more details and the best odds, log on to www.jaxx.com
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Football Aid at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are offering you the chance to play at the Boleyn Ground in
support of Football Aid
17.10.2008
It's bigger, it's better and it's back - Football Aid 2009 is coming.
West Ham United have once again teamed up with fundraising organisation
Football Aid, to offer fans the chance to sample the feeling of running out
on to the Boleyn Ground pitch for themselves with a 'Live the Dream'
experience on 1 June 2009. That is not all though, as all taking part will
be helping to raise vital funds for good causes in the process.
Those taking part get to pull on a personalised shirt in the West Ham United
dressing rooms, head down the tunnel and then take those precious first
steps on to the hallowed turf graced by the greats - it is all part of
living the life of a professional footballer for a day. You may even be
joined by former players to play or manage your team, who in the past have
included Tony Cottee, Tony Gale and Steve Potts.
And if that is not enough, all funds generated from the game are split
between important charitable causes including West Ham United's nominated
charity, the league's nominated charity and Football Aid's parent charity,
Field of Dreams, helping to raise money and awareness for Type 1 Diabetes.
Securing your position in this unique event has never been easier with the
ability to purchase online, meaning you will not even have to pick up the
phone. Visit footballaid.com/events and select which team you will be
playing for at the end of the football season. If your position is not
available, why not take on a new role and become the Hammers' favourite new
utility player?
You can also contact the Football Aid sales team on 0131 220 5999 or email
info@footballaid.com for your chance to Live the Dream.
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Hull City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early news and background ahead of the match against high-flying
Hull City on Sunday
17.10.2008
Barclays Premier League
Hull City v West Ham United
Kingston Communications Stadium
Sunday 19 October
3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Introduction
* West Ham United travel to Hull City for their fourth away fixture of the
2008/09 Barclays Premier League season - the first meeting between the sides
for 17 years.
* United go into the game with a mixed run of form of late. Having secured
their first away win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Fulham on 27
September, the side then lost their 100 per cent home record by losing at
home to Bolton Wanderers in the following match - Gianfranco Zola's first
league defeat as manager.
* Those results turned the side's form on its head as they had won their
first three matches at the Boleyn Ground but lost two out of two on their
travels.
* West Ham United are sixth in the Barclays Premier League with four wins
and three defeats and a goal difference of plus one. Hull City, having just
been promoted from the Championship, have impressed everyone with wins at
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in their previous two games - results which
leave them third with a minus one goal difference.
* The visitors, currently joint second top scorers in the Premier League,
could move above their hosts to third with a win. Hull City could go level
on points at the top if they are the victors.
* West Ham United striker Carlton Cole said: "We know they [Hull City] are a
good outfit, but we just have to go there confident in trying to break them
down and get as much out of the game as possible. They have got a good work
ethic about them but we know we have to work hard and use our quality and
get a good result."
* Speaking to the club's official website, midfielder Dean Marney said:
"It's a game to look forward to. It's against another London team so
hopefully we can make it three out of three. But we know it will be tough
because they are a good team, although we go into the game full of
confidence."
* The last meeting between the sides was a 0-0 draw at Hull's former home,
Boothferry Park, on 23 March 1991 in the old Second Division. In the reverse
fixture at the Boleyn Ground that season, West Ham United won 7-1. If the
scoreline was not memorable enough the game will be remembered for the fact
that Steve Potts scored his only ever goal for the club - a 30-yard drive
just after the half-hour mark.
* The teams met each other for two consecutive years in the old second
division in the 1989/90 and 1990/91 seasons with honours all square at one
win each and two draws.
* The last time United won in Hull was over 50 years ago in the 1954/55
season.
* The guests will be hoping to keep their first clean sheet after a run of
19 matches since their last at Fulham in February.
* If Cole finds the net again, it would be his third consecutive goalscoring
game.
* If Hayden Mullins is selected it would be his 200th appearance in a claret
and clue shirt. If Matthew Etherington starts, it would be his 150th league
start for the club.
* West Ham United are next in top-flight action a week after the Hull City
game when they host Arsenal on Sunday 26 October. Hull's next game is a trip
to West Bromwich Albion the previous day.
Last time out:
Sunday 5 October - West Ham United 1-3 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Di Michele (Bellamy 54), Etherington (Sears 79), Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Mullins, Davenport
Goal: Cole 69
Sunday 5 October - Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Hull City
Hull City: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Ashbee,
Boateng, Geovanni (Halmosi 71), King (Folan 81), Cousin (Mendy 60)
Subs not Used: Hughes, Duke, Garcia, Ricketts
Goal: Geovanni
Team news
* New signing Diego Tristan will not feature although Zola has been
impressed with his progress in training. Competition for attacking places is
fierce with Craig Bellamy and Freddie Sears also pushing for a place in the
starting XI.
* Zola has seen all of his international stars return free of injury
following the recent break from league action. Robert Green has overcome the
slight knee problem on England duty, while Bellamy and James Collins have
benefited from a tough 90 minutes with Wales in Germany. Valon Behrami also
impressed as Switzerland won in Athens and Herita Ilunga and Lucas Neill
also came back from DR Congo and Australia commitments unscathed.
* Jack Collison proved his fitness by playing in both legs of Wales
Under-21s narrow defeat by an England featuring Mark Noble. Another
midfielder in contention is Lee Bowyer, who has been training fully.
* James Tomkins is in full training, while Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer
are continuing to progress well. Jonathan Spector is due back at the club
before the end of the month while Dean Ashton has been back at Chadwell
Heath this week although will not play again before the New Year with his
ankle injury.
* Hull City have concerns over key striker Marlon King (back) with Caleb
Folan standing by. Defender Anthony Gardner is over a thigh problem but
Stelios Giannakopoulos may not be fit enough to take part.
Background
* The last meeting of the clubs was a 0-0 draw at Boothferry Park on 23
March 1991.
* The lineups were:
West Ham United: Miklosko, Potts, Parris, Gale, Foster, Hughton, Bishop,
McAvennie, Dowie, Keen, Allen
Hull City: Butler, Norton, Thompson, Buckley, Mail, Shotton, Hockaday,
Peyton, Swan, Atkinson, Warren, Jenkinson
* Noble returns to the club he played five times for during a loan spell
between February and May 2006.
* West Ham United academy graduate Richard Garcia could figure against the
club he made 23 appearances for.
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
23 March 1991 - Hull City 0-0 West Ham United
6 October 1990 - West Ham United 7-1 Hull City
20 January 1990 - West Ham United 1-2 Hull City
2 February 1989 - Hull City 1-1 West Ham United
3 February 1973 - Hull City 1-0 West Ham United (FA Cup)
9 September 1970 - West Ham United 1-0 Hull City (League Cup)
Overall record v Hull City (all competitions): W 13, D 13, L 9
Barclays Premier League fixtures (all 3pm unless stated)
Saturday 18 October
Arsenal v Everton
Aston Villa v Portsmouth
Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers
Fulham v Sunderland
Liverpool v Wigan Athletic
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion (5.30pm)
Middlesbrough v Chelsea (12.45pm)
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur (4pm)
General information
Tickets are now sold out for this game. For details of getting to the
Kingston Communications Stadium click here
Weather: The forecast is for a sunny day with slight cloud and a top
temperature of around 15C.
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Hull v WEST HAM: Tristan not included in Hammers squad - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:34 PM on 17th October 2008
New signing Diego Tristan will not be included in the West Ham squad that
takes on Hull on Sunday as the Spain international is not sufficiently
match-fit. Midfielder Lee Bowyer (groin) and defender James Collins (knee)
are back in training following injury and manager Gianfranco Zola has
reported no fresh injuries following the international break. But the
Hammers are still without Dean Ashton (ankle), Kieron Dyer (leg), Jonathan
Spector (knee) and Danny Gabbidon (stomach) for the KC Stadium clash.
Provisional squad: Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Di Michele, Bellamy, Etherington, Sears, Cole, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa
Morte, Mullins, Davenport, Bowyer, Collins.
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Hull boss looking to Hammer another London outfit - Echo
2:22pm Friday 17th October 2008
HULL City manager Phil Brown is desperate for his side to maintain their
incredible unbeaten run against London-based teams. The Tigers have not lost
in eight matches against teams from the capital - a record stretching back
to a 2-0 defeat at Queen's Park Rangers at Loftus Road on November 3, 2007.
Since then, Brown has guided the Premier League new-boys to 1-1 draws with
Queen's Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic, wins over Watford and Crystal
Palace during last season's Championship run-in and a comprehensive 6-1
aggregate victory over the Hornets in the play-off semi-finals. This season,
things have got even better for the Hull boss, who has watched on as his
side defeated North London giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur on
consecutive visits to the capital. And Brown wants his side to extend their
run to nine games when West Ham United arrive at the KC Stadium on Sunday
afternoon. "It would be nice to remain unbeaten against the London sides,
especially with Chelsea on the horizon as well," Brown told Hull City's
official website. "But we're concentrating on West Ham for now and we'll
judge the game on its merits."
While his players are exceeding expectations on the pitch, Brown believes
their opponents' off-field issues could help the Tigers pick up yet another
memorable victory this weekend. "There's been a lot of speculations
surrounding them recently about boardroom unrest and things," said the
former Bolton Wanderers full-back, alluding to chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson's recent financial concerns following the collapse of tour
operator XL and the nationalisation of Icelandic bank Landsbanki. "They also
have a new manager (Gianfranco Zola) who is being tested at the highest
level. "But, like I say, we'll judge the game on its merits and hopefully
we'll come out with something in the bag."
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Hammers leave out new boy Diego for Hull trip
Hull City v West Ham United
Northamptoncron.co.uk
Published Date: 17 October 2008
New signing Diego Tristan will not be included in the West Ham squad that
takes on Hull City on Sunday as the Spain international is not sufficiently
match-fit.
Midfielder Lee Bowyer (groin) and defender James Collins (knee) are back in
training following injury and manager Gianfranco Zola has reported no fresh
injuries following the international break. But the Hammers are still
without Dean Ashton (anklADVERTISEMENTe), Kieron Dyer (leg), Jonathan
Spector (knee) and Danny Gabbidon (stomach) for the KC Stadium clash.
West Ham (from): Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Di Michele, Bellamy, Etherington, Sears, Cole, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa
Morte, Mullins, Davenport, Bowyer, Collins.
Hull are waiting on the fitness of striker Marlon King. King withdrew from
the Jamaica squad this week due to a back problem and has experienced
further difficulties in training. Caleb Folan could feature if the on-loan
Wigan forward is ruled out while veteran Dean Windass will also hope for an
opportunity. Record signing Anthony Gardner is fit after overcoming a thigh
problem but unlikely to dislodge either Michael Turner or Kamil Zayatte at
the back. New signing Stelios Giannakopoulos still lacks match fitness.
Hull (from): Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Ashbee,
Boateng, Geovanni, Halmosi, King, Folan, Cousin, Mendy, Hughes, Garcia,
Ricketts, Gardner, Barmby, Windass, Duke.
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CAS begin West Ham United hearing
Sport.co.uk
Author: Deniz Vehbi
Posted on: 17 October 2008 - 12:47 PM
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, have
begun proceedings for West Ham United, who are hopeful that they will be
given a full hearing as they continue their legal wrangling with Sheffield
United over the Carlos Tevez affair.West Ham want CAS to adjudicate on an
independent tribunal's decision they should pay compensation to Sheffield
United for their relegation from the Premier League in 2006/07. A West Ham
spokesman said: "West Ham United welcome the statement by CAS that they have
initiated an arbitration procedure. "This is the start of the CAS process
and we hope that it will be the first step toward a full arbitration hearing
in due course. "West Ham are doing no more than Sheffield United have
already done in seeking a right of appeal and we believe that CAS is the
appropriate body for this." CAS said the first step would be to decide
whether they had the power to hear the case. A statement from CAS read: "The
CAS has initiated an arbitration procedure and will first examine its
jurisdiction as a preliminary issue after both clubs have had the
opportunity to file written submissions on this point.
"For the moment, no decision has been made with respect to the holding of a
hearing. In any event, a decision on jurisdiction is not to be expected
before the end of November 2008."
The independent tribunal, convened under Football Association rules last
month, found West Ham won at least three points due to Argentina striker
Tevez - whose registration with the London club was ruled to have breached
Premier League rules on third-party ownership in April 2007. The tribunal
ruled Sheffield United were due compensation, which has yet to be determined
but they are claiming £50million.
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Bellamy and Cole raring to go against Hull
Sport.co.uk
Author: Deniz Vehbi
Posted on: 17 October 2008 - 12:51 PM
Craig Bellamy has insisted he is fit and raring to go in the build up to
West Ham's visit to in-form Hull City. The Wales captain will be trying to
put his string of injuries behind him after playing 80 minutes of his sides
2-0 home win over Lichtenstein and the full 90 during a 1-0 away defeat to
Germany. "It is incredible for me personally to just come off after 90
minutes and feel great, hopefully ready to play Sunday," he said. "For me
confidence wise, this is brilliant. "Maybe I need a bit more sharpness but
it will come." Manager Gianfranco Zola has preferred a three-man forward
line so far in his tenure, with David Di Michele and Matthew Etherington
flanking the in-form Carlton Cole. With Freddie Sears and new signing Diego
Tristan also in contention, competition for starting places are at a
premium. Cole, who has four goals in eight games so far this season, is
aware of the threat posed by Hull. "We know they are a good outfit," he
said. "But we just have to go there confident in trying to break them down
and get as much out of the game as possible." Hull beat both Arsenal and
Tottenham in their previous Premier League fixtures, and Cole knows his side
will have to put in a strong performance to prevent them becoming the third
London scalp in a row for The Tigers "They have a good work ethic about them
but we know we have to work hard and use our quality to get a good result,"
he added.
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West Ham's Behrami welcomes Roma interest
17.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami has welcomed interest from Roma. He
told Leggo: "I would not have a problem wearing the Giallorossa shirt, in
fact playing for Roma would make me happy. "But I am happy at West Ham.
There's no financial crisis here. I spoke to the leadership in recent days
and they have assured me there are no problems."
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Hull v West Ham preview
Setanta.co.uk
by Robin Hackett, 17 October 2008
Hull host West Ham on Sunday looking to build on a remarkable start to the
season, but it will be no mean feat if they can take three points from
Gianfranco Zola's revived Hammers. The Tigers started the season with a 2-1
win at home to Fulham, but few would have expected them to be third in the
table after seven games.
But, following victories over the likes of Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham,
Phil Brown's men now have the confidence to take on anyone and few would now
bet against them getting a result against West Ham. Brown says he is
confident of getting something out of the game – particularly given their
unbeaten record against London clubs this season – but he has a few injury
concerns. Stelios Giannakopoulos – still to make his debut – is doubtful
with a thigh strain, while Nick Barmby (leg injury) and Anthony Gardner
(calf strain) are also struggling. Craig Fagan is ruled out with a broken
leg. For their part, The Hammers have looked good this season and, with Zola
in charge, they are now starting to play the kind of attractive attacking
football the fans crave. But – in terms of goals, at least – West Ham have
been one of the more exciting sides around for a while. Only Manchester City
(18) have scored more than West Ham's 14 goals this season, but it is also
worth noting that they have now gone 19 games without keeping a clean sheet.
Former Spain striker Diego Tristan, 32, could be set to make his West Ham
debut after signing on a free transfer on Tuesday but, as he has not played
first-team football this season, it seems more likely that he will be
introduced from the bench – especially as Carlton Cole has scored four in
his last six games. Dean Ashton remains sidelined along with Kieron Dyer,
Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector.
PIVOTAL PLAYER: Geovanni. The former Barcelona man has rediscovered his form
and, after scoring five in his last seven Premier League starts, he is in
match-winning form. Click here for Man of the Match®
PREDICTION: 1-1.
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Craig ready to go to Hull and back
This Is London
Ken Dyer, Football Correspondent
Craig Bellamy is raring to start for West Ham on Sunday having survived his
first full match for a year. The Wales striker has endured a nightmare with
injuries since his move from Liverpool in July 2007. He had a four-month
lay-off after arriving in London with an abdominal injury and then managed
only a brief comeback before his season was ended in February by knee and
groin problems. Having been eased back by the Hammers this term with three
substitute appearances, Bellamy finally completed a match on Wednesday when
he captained Wales in their 1-0 defeat in Germany and he now wants to build
on that performance, starting at Hull. "It was my first 90 minutes in a year
and it is brilliant to know that I am feeling great and ready to play on
Sunday," said the 29year-old, who will replace David Di Michele in attack.
"Maybe I need to be a bit sharper and a bit fitter. But that will come." The
Germany game saw James Collins make his first start for Wales for more than
a year following knee surgery and he is likely to be on the bench for while
Goalkeeper Robert Green should recover from a knee injury fit for the trip
face a side who have beaten Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham this season. Hull
boss Phil Brown said: "It would be nice to remain undefeated against London
clubs. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding West Ham lately about
boardroom unrest and things. They also have a new manager who is being
tested at the highest level. Hopefully, we'll come out of the West Ham game
with something in the bag."
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Hammers loaded with striker options
Clubcall
West Ham United, 09:44, October 17, 2008
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has a striker selection headache at Hull on
Sunday with six forwards vying for three starting places. The Italian
tactician usually adopts a three-pronged forward line and he is not expected
to deviate from that formation, despite going up against the Premier
League's surprise package, who are in third place in the table. Craig
Bellamy has stepped up his fitness levels with an 80-minute run out for
Wales against Azerbaijan last Saturday which was followed by a full
90-minute outing in the midweek 1-0 defeat in Germany. And he is now aiming
to get a starting place following three recent substitute appearances for
the Hammers.
He told the club's website: "For me confidence wise, this is brilliant. It
is incredible for me personally to just come off after 90 minutes and I feel
great hopefully ready to play Sunday. Maybe I need a bit more sharpness but
it will come."
New signing Diego Tristan is in contention for his debut, while David Di
Michele, Matt Etherington and Freddie Sears are all looking to force their
way into the starting XI. However it is hard to believe Zola will leave out
Carlton Cole after his good start to the season in which he has scored four
goals in eight outings. The big striker is expecting a tough game at the KC
Stadium, but feels the Hammers have enough to secure three points against
Phil Brown's men. Cole said: "We know they are a good outfit, but we just
have to go there confident in trying to break them down and get as much out
of the game as possible. They have a good work ethic about them but we know
we have to work hard and use our quality and get a good result."
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Zola Will Take Us To The Top
The Sun
Published: Today
MARK NOBLE insists new boss Gianfranco Zola will transform West Ham this
season. The Hammers have already shown glimpses of the attractive brand of
football Zola wants his side to play. And midfield ace Noble, 21, is
convinced the Italian has what it takes to make the club a force in the
Premier League. He said: "Zola's brilliant and he wants to play football.
"He's a brilliant manager who gets on really well with the lads. "I think
it's important that he keeps on drilling us to play football the right way.
"Hopefully we can really push on and move up the table this year."
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Team news: King doubt for Hammers test
Northamptonchron.co.uk
Hull City v West Ham United
Published Date: 17 October 2008
Hull City are waiting on the fitness of striker Marlon King ahead of
Sunday's Premier League visit of West Ham. King withdrew from the Jamaica
squad this week due to a back problem and has experienced further
difficulties in training. Caleb Folan could feature if the on-loan Wigan
forward is ruled out while veteran Dean Windass will also hope for an
opportunity.Record signing Anthony Gardner is fit after overcoming a thigh
problem but unlikely to dislodge either Michael Turner or Kamil Zayatte at
the back. New signing Stelios Giannakopoulos still lacks match fitness.
Hull (from): Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney, Ashbee,
Boateng, Geovanni, Halmosi, King, Folan, Cousin, Mendy, Hughes, Garcia,
Ricketts, Gardner, Barmby, Windass, Duke.
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Folan bids for starting role
Sporthull.co.uk
07:24 - 17 October 2008
Caleb Folan will be Phil Brown's first port of call for duty on Sunday if
Marlon King fails to recover from a back injuryPHIL Brown will turn to Caleb
Folan to lead Hull City's attack against West Ham - if Marlon King fails to
overcome his back injury. The Tigers boss has serious concerns over the
fitness of King after he was pulled out of a double training session on
Wednesday. Having also missed international duty with Jamaica through injury
last weekend, King is being closely watched by the club's medical staff.
Brown only rates King's chances at "50-50" for the visit of West Ham. But
after being impressed by Folan's recent graduation to the international
scene, the City manager is not without options. Folan, whose only previous
start this season was the 5-0 home defeat to Wigan, made his Republic of
Ireland debut on Wednesday night. It made him the 16th player on City's
books to boast full international honours, and Brown said he had been
delighted to see him progressing his career. He said: "This is the
blossoming of a career. I knew that the potential was there when we took
Caleb from Wigan. "He's only at the start of his career and it's probably
too early to start saying if he's an international or even a Premier League
player yet, he's just at the start of things. "It's great news for him and
it's great news for us."
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Gardner on long road back
sporthull.co.uk
07:24 - 17 October 2008
ANTHONY Gardner has been given the all-clear to resume full training ahead
of Hull City's clash with West Ham United on Sunday. The 27-year-old, who
has been troubled by an ongoing thigh injury, underwent scans on the injury
this week after missing the Tigers' last three games. But after receiving a
positive prognosis on the problem, Gardner was expected to return to full
training today. While the visit of West Ham may come too soon for the
defender, it is hoped Gardner's injury woes are now in the past. Despite
impressing in City's opening two games against Fulham and Blackburn, Gardner
missed the 5-0 defeat to Wigan when the injury first hit. While he was
hurried back to feature in the win at Newcastle, the former England
international has been unavailable since. An all-clear this week has come as
a timely boost to the player who had hoped his injury troubles had been left
at Tottenham. But City's record signing may have to be patient to regain his
starting place. Phil Brown said: "It looks like the injury is clear and
we'll be given the green light for Anthony to resume training. "At the
moment Kamil Zayatte and Michael Turner have formed a good partnership and
Anthony will find it difficult to get back in the side."
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