WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is determined to earn his first 'big four' scalp when
Liverpool visit the Boleyn Ground
07.05.2009
Gianfranco Zola is readying his troops for the chance to claim their first
taste of victory under his stewardship against one of the 'top four' teams.
Zola has already masterminded impressive draws at the homes of Arsenal,
Chelsea and Liverpool, but is hoping to go one better when Rafael Benitez's
side visit east London in Saturday's late afternoon kick-off. The Hammers
won the corresponding fixture 1-0 last season after Mark Noble's last-minute
penalty and Zola is optimistic his side can repeat that feat this time
around.
"In my opinion a team they are a team you'd rather play at their home than
away as if you look at their record away it must be one of the best in the
Premier League," Zola said. "So it is a really tough match for us but my
players are determined to beat one of the really top sides.
"We played Manchester United at home and Chelsea at home and we went very
close and were unlucky. We keep trying as we lost against those teams but we
learnt a lot from them and we are confident that Saturday is going to be a
different game."
The Hammers go into the game with the solid foundation of a defence that has
been breached just ten times this calendar year in the league, including
just four in their last nine games. However, title-chasing Liverpool, with
an attack set to be boosted by the return of Fernando Torres, will not be
underestimated by Zola and his team.
"It's going to be another tough match and a completely different game and
that is what the Premier League is all about. You play a game against Stoke
City, which is a very difficult game, and then you have another one which is
a completely different kind of game and you have to change your mental
approach and your tactics.
"But I like it, it is another opportunity for us to beat a top team and also
it has got double the value that if we win this game we have a great chance
to get into Europe."
That "great chance" has been translated into a four-point target by both
manager and captain alike and the hunt for the first three of those points
begins with Saturday's visit of the Reds.
"It's looking more likely that four points is going to be enough. But we are
going to try to make sure we do more than that but four points should be
enough. We are just saying we need four but we are going to try to get nine
- that is the approach we have."
The Hammers will go into the match on a high after becoming just the fourth
team to win away this campaign at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium last
weekend. Zola believes that victory was all the sweeter as his players
responded to home defeat by Chelsea the previous week.
"I was delighted. I knew what kind of game it would have been as only four
teams have won over there so it's no surprise that it was going be a tough
match. I also knew that my team this year whenever it had a bad game, like
we did against Chelsea, that straight away they would come back and I'm very
delighted about that."
Zola could decide to hand a starting berth to the fit-again Jack Collison,
while he is also set to wait until the last possible minute to decide on
striker Carlton Cole's availability. Jordan Spence and Kyel Reid are also in
contention following their return from successful loan spells Leyton Orient
and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Kieron Dyer, James Collins and Scott Parker are all set to sit out, though,
as they continue work on hamstring, calf and groin injuries respectively.
Dean Ashton continues to make progress in his rehabilitation from an ankle
injury, while it is a similar story for Valon Behrami as he works his way
back from a knee injury.
Turning to matters off the field, the manager was unwavering in his
confidence for for the coming seasons in the knowledge that "everything is
under control" regarding future foundations. "It is looking very well for
the club and we might have the possibility to buy some players and to be in
a situation here we can really look forward with a positive perspective."
Zola admitted that while he has already started scouting for new targets for
the next campaign, the recent performances of his players means they are
making his job somewhat harder. He said: "We are working but it's too early
to say that as a lot of it depends on the players we have got.
"Some of the players are developing very well and that may change our
targets for the next year so it is too early to say. We will try to improve
a little bit in what we are lacking, but don't forget we should have Dean
Ashton and that could be a very big player for us and someone we have missed
the whole year.
"We will see but our next year depends on how we finish this year. If we
finish in the top seven and get into Europe we have a plan and if we don't
qualify for Europe we have a different plan."
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Liverpool match preview
WHUFC.com
All of the team news and statistics ahead of Saturday's late afternoon
kick-off at the Boleyn Ground
07.05.2009
West Ham United v Liverpool
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 9 May
5.30pm
Referee: Alan Wiley
• West Ham United welcome Rafael Benitez's Liverpool for the club's 18th
home fixture of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.
• Zola's side go into the match in seventh place in the Premier League
table. West Ham have 48 points from their 35 matches and sit a point clear
of Manchester City, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur with three games remaining.
A seventh-place finish will be good enough to qualify for next season's UEFA
Europa League.
• Liverpool go into Saturday's fixture second in the Premier League table
with 77 points from 35 matches, three points behind leaders Manchester
United, who have a game in hand. Victory would take Benitez's team top of
the table, at least until United take on Manchester City on Sunday
afternoon.
• West Ham have won eight home league matches (Wigan Athletic, Blackburn
Rovers, Newcastle United, Stoke City, Fulham, Hull City, Manchester City and
Sunderland), drawn two (Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion) and lost seven
(Bolton Wanderers, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa,
Manchester United and Chelsea).
• The Hammers have conceded just two goals in their last five home matches
in all competitions. Before the narrow 1-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea
a fortnight ago, West Ham had drawn 1-1 with Middlesbrough in the FA Cup
fifth round and beaten Manchester City 1-0, drawn 0-0 with West Bromwich
Albion and overcome Sunderland 2-0 in the league.
• West Ham have a plus-one goal difference heading into Saturday's game.
Should the Hammers finish with a positive goal difference this season, it
will be the first time the club has achieved such a feat since the 1985/86
campaign, when John Lyall's team ended the season third in the old First
Division table with a plus-34 goal difference.
• Having played out a goalless draw at Liverpool on 1 December, West Ham are
looking to complete the season unbeaten against Liverpool for the first time
since 1998/99, when the Hammers won 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground and drew 2-2 at
Anfield.
• This is the 104th league meeting between the two sides. Liverpool have won
53, West Ham have won 21 and there have been 29 draws.
• Saturday's match will be screened live by Setanta Sports. It is the 17th
time the Hammers have been selected for live television coverage this
season.
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Alan Wiley.
• Aged 48, Wiley has been a Premier League referee since 1999.
• Having learned his trade in the West Midlands (Alliance) League, Wiley
joined the Football League List of assistant referees in 1991, before being
promoted to the Premier League List three years later.
• In 2000, he was the fourth official at the last FA Cup final at the old
Wembley Stadium, which saw Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0.
• Since becoming a Select Group referee ten years ago, Wiley has taken
charge of the 2002 FA Community Shield, the 2006 League Cup final and,
famously, the 2006 FA Cup final between Saturday's combatants.
• Wiley, who also refereed the 2008 Championship Play-Off final between Hull
City and Bristol City, has taken control of just one West Ham fixture so far
this season, the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on 10 January.
• Wiley has issued 71 yellow cards and two red cards in 25 Premier League
fixtures this season.
Last time out
Saturday 2 May 2009
Barclays Premier League
Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Stanislas, Noble
(Lopez 87), Kovac, Boa Morte (Collison 82), Tristan, Di Michele (Sears 89)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Spector, Payne, Hines
Booked: Boa Morte, Neill
Goal: Tristan 33
Sunday 3 May 2009
Barclays Premier League
Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle United
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso (Lucas 80),
Mascherano (Ngog 89), Benayoun, Gerrard, Riera (Babel 63), Kuyt
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Dossena, El Zhar, Skrtel
Goals: Benayoun 22, Kuyt 28, Lucas 87
West Ham United
• West Ham go into Saturday's match seeking to strengthen their grip on a
seventh-place Premier League finish and a place in next season's inaugural
UEFA Europa League, the competition that will replace the UEFA Cup in
2009/10.
• West Ham's biggest ever home win over Liverpool came on 1 September 1930.
The Hammers went top of the old First Division as Vic Watson scored four
times, Stanley Earle twice and Wilf James once in a 7-0 victory at the
Boleyn Ground. A crowd of 14,000 was in attendance.
• West Ham's most recent home win over Liverpool came last season. Mark
Noble's 93rd minute penalty was enough to secure a 1-0 win on 30 January
2008.
• Last year's match-winner Noble will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Friday
8 May.
• West Ham have not conceded more than one goal in any of their last eight
Premier League matches, the longest run in the top division.
• Carlton Cole is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League this season
with nine goals. He has eleven in all competitions.
• Goalkeeper Robert Green is the only West Ham player to have played every
minute of the club's 35 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew
Upson has started 34 games, Herita Ilunga 32 and Lucas Neill 31.
• Cole has unleashed more shots on target (45), off target (29) and in total
(74) and made more assists (5) than any other West Ham player. Cole has also
been caught offside (28) and committed more fouls (62) than any of his
team-mates.
• Defender Matthew Upson has made more defensive clearances (57) and blocks
(30) than any other West Ham player.
• Noble has delivered more crosses (32) than any other Hammers player.
Liverpool
• Liverpool are on a superb run of form, despite being knocked out of the
UEFA Champions League by Chelsea at the quarter-final stage. The Reds have
lost just one of their last eleven matches, the only defeat being a 3-1
first-leg loss to Chelsea at Anfield on 8 April. During that eleven-match
run, Liverpool have scored 35 goals.
• Liverpool's biggest ever win at the Boleyn Ground came on 6 September
1965, when the Reds left the Boleyn Ground with a 5-1 victory. Roger Hunt
netted a three-minute hat-trick either side of half-time for Liverpool,
while Gordon Milne and Ian Callaghan also scored as the Reds went in 4-0 up
at half-time. Martin Peters got on the scoresheet for the home side on 53
minutes. Twice, in 1976/77 and 2007/08, Liverpool secured 4-0 wins in east
London.
• Two Liverpool players, Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt, made their debuts
against West Ham. Carragher's first appearance came at Anfield in January
1997, while Kuyt's came at Anfield in August 2006.
• Striker Fernando Torres has scored 49 goals in 81 appearances for
Liverpool. The 24-year-old has hit the net five times in his last five
games.
• Liverpool's top scorer is Steven Gerrard, who has netted 21 goals in all
competitions. Gerrard and Torres have both scored 13 times in the Premier
League, with the Spaniard netting 16 in all competitions.
• Goalkeeper Jose Reina and defender Carragher have started all 35 of
Liverpool's Premier League fixtures this season. Kuyt has started 33 and
appeared as a substitute in the other two.
• Liverpool have had more shots off target (278), won more corners (253) and
hit the woodwork more times (18) than any other Premier League team this
season.
• Reina has kept 18 Premier League clean sheets in 35 matches this season,
second only to Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar (19). Chelsea's Petr
Cech has also kept 18 clean sheets this term.
• Gerrard is Liverpool's statistics leader in a number of categories this
season. The England midfielder has had more shots in total (101), on target
(47), off target (54), unleashed more crosses (77) and notched up more
assists (8) than any of his team-mates.
• Carragher has made more defensive clearances (32) and blocks (14) than any
of his colleagues this term.
• Alvaro Arbeloa has committed more fouls (35) than any other Liverpool
player, while fellow Spaniard Albert Riera has won more free-kicks (41) than
any of his team-mates.
• Kuyt has been caught offside more times (26) than any other Reds player.
Team news
• West Ham manager Zola could name largely the same squad of players that
travelled to Stoke City last weekend, with the possible inclusion of Savio,
Carlton Cole, Kyel Reid and Jordan Spence the only potential changes.
• Savio was unwell last weekend but has trained fully this week.
• Reid and Spence have returned from successful loan spells but Lee Bowyer
will not be eligible to play for the club again this season because of
suspension.
• Cole is making good progress in his recovery from the groin injury he
suffered in England's 4-0 friendly victory over Slovakia at Wembley on 28
March. However, the 25-year-old is unlikely to be fit enough to be involved
in Saturday's game.
• Wales midfielder Jack Collison may be back in the starting lineup after
making a successful return as a substitute from the dislocated kneecap he
suffered at Wigan on 4 March in last Saturday's win at Stoke.
• Scott Parker is working hard on his fitness following a long-standing
groin injury but it remains to be seen if he will be involved when West Ham
travel to Everton on May 16.
• James Collins (calf) and Kieron Dyer (hamstring) may also be fit to return
to face Everton.
• England striker Dean Ashton is doing well as he continues his
rehabilitation following a long-term ankle injury. The 25-year-old is now
aiming to be fit to start pre-season training with his team-mates in early
July.
• Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami is working hard at Chadwell Heath as
he continues his recovery from the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered
against Manchester City on 1 March.
• Wales defender Danny Gabbidon is continuing his recovery from back and
stomach injuries by working with the club's medical staff at Chadwell Heath.
Similarly Terry Dixon is over his knee troubles and is working hard on a
personal programme to return to full fitness.
• Liverpool have a major doubt over the availability of Spain midfielder
Xabi Alonso, who was injured following a late tackle from Newcastle's Joey
Barton last weekend.
• Former West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano is hopeful of recovering from
a twisted ankle in time for Saturday's game.
• Spain striker Fernando Torres is also in line for a return to Liverpool's
starting eleven after missing last Sunday's 3-0 victory over Newcastle with
a slight hamstring strain.
• Switzerland midfielder Philipp Degen and Finland defender Sami Hyypia are
both doubtful with a groin and knee injury respectively.
Last meeting
• The teams met at Anfield on Monday 1 December 2008. West Ham left
Merseyside with a point from a hard-fought goalless draw.
• The lineups were:
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Dossena, Benayoun, Gerrard,
Alonso, Riera (Babel 78), Kuyt, Keane (Ngog 66)
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Agger, Mascherano, Lucas, Insua
Booked: Alonso
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert (Boa Morte
86), Parker, Mullins, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Tristan, Davenport, Noble, Collison, Di Michele
Booked: Mullins
Attendance: 41,169
Old boys
• Liverpool and Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun made 72 appearances,
scoring eight goals, during two seasons at West Ham United. Benayoun, who
turned 29 on 5 May, arrived from Spanish side Racing Santander in the summer
of 2005 before leaving for Anfield in July 2007.
• Liverpool and Argentina defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano spent
half-a-season with West Ham United between August 2007 and January 2008. The
24-year-old made seven appearances in all competitions for the Hammers.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Craig Bellamy,
Tom Bradshaw, David Burrows, Titi Camara, Charles Cotton, Julian Dicks, Ray
Houghton, Don Hutchison, Paul Ince, David James, Rob Jones, George Kay, Mike
Marsh, Neil Mellor, Neil Ruddock, Danny Shone, Rigobert Song and Thomas
Stanley.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
1 December 2008 - Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United
5 March 2008 - Liverpool 4-0 West Ham United
30 January 2008 - West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool
30 January 2007 - West Ham United 1-2 Liverpool
26 August 2006 - Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United
FA Cup final, 13 May 2006 - Liverpool 3-3 West Ham United
Overall record v Liverpool (all competitions) W 23 D 34 L 60
Next up
• West Ham will travel to Everton for a Premier League fixture on Saturday
16 May, with kick-off at 3pm
• Liverpool will travel to West Bromwich Albion for a Premier League fixture
on Sunday 17 May, with kick-off at 1.30pm
Travel information
• The London Underground District line will be suspended between Embankment
and Whitechapel.
• The Hammersmith and City line will be suspended between Liverpool Street
and Barking due to planned engineering works. Replacement buses will operate
between Liverpool Street, Aldgate, Aldgate East and Whitechapel.
• The Jubilee line will be suspended between Stanmore and London Bridge. Two
rail replacement bus services operate. Service A will run between Stanmore
and Wembley Park, calling at Canons Park, Queensbury and Kingsbury. Service
B will run between Wembley Park and Finchley Road, calling at Neasden,
Dollis Hill, Willesden Green, Kilburn and West Hampstead.
• The Circle line will be completely suspended.
• The Waterloo and City line will run between 8am and 6.30pm.
• The Metropolitan line will be suspended between Moorgate and Aldgate.
• c2c services will run as normal on Saturday. For full details visit
c2c-online.co.uk
• National Express East Anglia services will run as normal on Saturday. For
full details visit nationalexpressanglia.com
General information
• Saturday's match is completely SOLD OUT
• Saturday's weather forecast is for sunny intervals with a maximum daytime
temperature of 17C.
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Hammers on course
WHUFC.com
A keenly-contested West Ham United charity golf day was eventually won by
Steve Clarke
07.05.2009
West Ham United's annual charity Golf Day took place with Steve Clarke
finishing as the top golfer from the club, but it was the Bobby Moore Fund
for Cancer Research UK that was the real winner as more than £1,500 was
raised for them at the event.
Despite the charitable nature of the day, the tournament was competitively
fought as a host of current and former players were joined by the coaching
staff and local businesses for 18 holes at the Five Lakes Hotel, Golf,
Country Club and Spa in Essex.
First-team coach Clarke triumphed with a score of 47 Stableford points,
despite some light-hearted calls from some of his players that he may have
not been entirely truthful about his handicap!
The day concluded with an amusing awards dinner hosted by Tony Gale and Tony
Cottee and afterwards club captain Lucas Neill was pleased with how the day
had gone.
"It was a fantastic day out and everyone was pleased," he said. "Yet again,
it was another good way for the boys to get out and interact with the fans.
The feedback was all positive, everyone seems to be enjoying the season and
like everyone they want us to finish on a great note."
For a full report from the day, including a run-down of results and
exclusive pictures, see Saturday's matchday programme.
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Fry on a high
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18 captain Matthew Fry is in positive mood after
enjoying a superb season
07.05.2009
West Ham United Under-18 captain Matthew Fry has enjoyed a superb 2008/09
season, after successfully making the step up to reserve-team football
alongside several of his Academy team-mates.
The left-footed central defender, who has also been used at left-back for
Alex Dyer's reserves this term, assumed the Under-18s' captaincy following
Josh Payne's promotion to the first-team squad. As well as making nine
starts and one substitute appearance for Dyer's side, 18-year-old Fry has
been a virtual ever-present for U18s, as they enjoyed an impressive end to
their season, which saw them finish fifth in the Premier Academy League
Group A.
Now, after another season under Tony Carr's expert tutorship, Fry is looking
to take the valuable lesson learned this campaign as he begins to think
about his aims for next season.
"I said a few weeks ago that I think that this season has gone very well for
me," Fry said. "Last year I had a lot of injuries and it was a very
frustrating season for me but this time I've played a lot of football. We've
had a fairly decent season as far as the league is concerned so I've been
pleased with it.
"We've been trying to get a run going and be as consistent as possible.
That's what Tony Carr tells us. He keeps telling us that if we get that
consistency and get on a good run then we can pick up points and we have
found ourselves moving up the table and that's where we've wanted to be."
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Mehmet unlucky with Turkey
WHUFC.com
Deniz Mehmet's Turkey got off to a losing start at the UEFA European U17
Championship
07.05.2009
Deniz Mehmet was on the losing side as Turkey lost 3-1 to Germany in their
opening match at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Germany.
The 16-year-old Academy goalkeeper is the first-choice for Turkey at the
eight-nation finals but was unable to do anything about the host nation's
three goals in the Group B fixture on Wednesday. Turkey scored first through
Hasan Ahmet Sari but Germany equalised within a minute and then added the
other two goals after the interval. Turkey are next in action on Saturday
against the Netherlands, who drew 1-1 with England in their opening group
mach.
Mehmet's team conclude their group fixtures against England on 12 May. The
Young Lions have no West Ham players in their ranks - unlike every other
England age group.
Turkey have won the Under-17 tournament once before in 2005, beating the
Netherlands 2-0 in Italy. They were losing semi-finalists last year, when
they hosted the competition, going out on penalties to France in the
last-four. Should Turkey finish in the top three in their group they will
qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played in Nigeria this
October. Spain, Italy, France and Switzerland are competing in Group A this
week in Germany, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals to face the
top two from Group B next week.
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West Ham v Liverpool
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 9 May Kick-off: 1730 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC London DAB; Score updates on Final Score,
BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live; live text commentary on BBC Sport
website; Highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk
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Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Three points for Liverpool at West Ham will see the Merseysiders knocking
Manchester United off the top of the table for the last time, unless the Red
Devils drop points in their final four games. This match comes 20 hours
before the defending champions entertain City in a Manchester derby and four
days before United play their game in hand at Wigan.
West Ham go into this clash in possession of seventh spot and a possible
place in Europe, but they hold a slender one point lead over Manchester
City, Fulham and Spurs.
This match brings together one of the clubs to have scored the fewest goals
in the last 10 minutes of Premier League games this season, and the one to
have netted the most; West Ham have knocked home five in that time sector,
Liverpool 18.
Liverpool have lost only one of their last six Premier League visits to West
Ham.
The Hammers are looking to notch successive home league victories over
Liverpool for the first time since 1999.
Distance between the clubs: 228 miles (367 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
7th 48 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 9th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Not beaten any of the six clubs above them in the table from 10 attempts;
drawn four, lost six.
2. Won 11 and lost 11 of 31 Premier League games under Gianfranco Zola.
3. Completed 19 top-flight matches since a loss by more than a single goal;
the most recent being 0-2, home to Tottenham on 8 December.
4. The current total of 48 points after 35 games is a point up on last
season, when positioned 10th, where they ended the campaign.
5. Lost one of the 15 top-flight matches in which they've opened the
scoring; home to Everton. Also, gone nine Premier League matches since
conceding more than a single goal in a game; the 2-1 loss at Bolton on 21
February being the most recent.
6. The highest finish in 13 Premier League seasons was fifth in 1998-99, and
the lowest 18th in 2002-03. Their average is 11th.
7. Won five of the last eight home league games.
8. Not beaten a member of the 'Big Four' (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and
Manchester United) this season (lost four, drawn three), nor in 10 matches
against them since a 1-0 home victory over Liverpool on 30 January last
year.
9. This is the first of back-to-back fixtures against the Merseyside clubs;
must visit Everton next Saturday, and then end the season, home to
Middlesbrough.
Fixtures
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LIVERPOOL
Club stats
2nd 77 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 3rd
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Unbeaten in eight Premier League games; won seven and drawn one (22
points out of 24) since losing 2-0, away to Middlesbrough on 28 February;
their only loss in 24 league games.
2. The current total of 77 points after 35 games is their best ever return
in the Premier League, and the best to this stage since the title-winning
campaign of 1987-88, when 81 points had been accrued.
3. Scored 10 goals in stoppage time; only Arsenal match that.
4. Failed to score in one of the last 14 Premier League matches; away to
Middlesbrough.
5. Lost just one of 19 league games in which they've opening the scoring;
away to Spurs.
6. The only club not to have lost a Premier League game in which they were
drawing at half-time; won 10 and drawn nine of 19.
7. The only club not to have had a player sent off in this Premier League
campaign.
8. Pocketed 37 top-flight points out of 51 away from home; only Chelsea
better that with 38.
9. The two remaining fixtures after this are away to West Brom on Sunday, 17
May and home to Tottenham on the final day a week later.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Carlton COLE, currently injured, is the club's top Premier League scorer
with nine goals.
Kieron DYER needs a double to register 50 career club goals.
If selected:-
GREEN will be making his 100th league appearance in goal for West Ham, and
350th career club appearance (Norwich and West Ham).
Mark NOBLE will be playing the day after his 22nd birthday.
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LIVERPOOL
Squad profiles
Pepe REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every
minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.
Jamie CARRAGHER is the only other player to have started all of Liverpool's
Premier League games this term.
Steven GERRARD and Fernando TORRES are the club's top Premier League
scorers, with 13 goals each.
If he scores:-
TORRES will reach the milestone of 50 goals for Liverpool.
If selected:-
Yossi BENAYOUN will be facing a former club. The 29 year old Israel
international made 72 appearances (63 in the league) and scored eight league
goals for West Ham between July 2005 and his £5m move to Anfield in July
2007.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham and Liverpool have each won 18 league matches against each other at
Upton Park.
The victory in last season's corresponding fixture was West Ham's only
maximum in 13 Premier League clashes.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 21 wins, Liverpool 53, Draws 29
Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Liverpool 15, Draws 7
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 18 wins, Liverpool 18, Draws 15
Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Liverpool 5, Draws 3
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool
30 January 2008 - Ref: Alan Wiley
West Ham scorer: Noble 90 pen
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United
1 December 2008 - Ref: Peter Walton
REFEREE
Alan Wiley (Stafforshire)
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Neill seeking four-play
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Hammers captain Lucas Neill belives that four points from United's final
three league games will be enough to guarantee European qualification for
next season.
Neill, talking to whufc.com revealed that the squad feel a win and a draw
would secure that vital seventh spot, which is currently being contested by
four clubs. At present the Hammers sit a point ahead of Fulham, Manchester
City and Tottenham - albeit with an inferior goal difference.
Next up for the Hammers is the visit of title-chasing Liverpool, who come to
the Boleyn this weekend knowing that anything less than a win will hand the
Premier League crown to Manchester United. However Neill feels that the 1-0
victory at Stoke last weekend has eased the pressure on the team somewhat.
"The win puts us in a fantastic position now, especially with Fulham
losing," he said. "It gives us a one-point cushion, but that one-point
cushion is massive. We've got three very tough games left, but then so does
everyone else. At this stage, points are more important than playing games
that you think you might win.
"We honestly think we now need four points for Europe. With three games
left, we need a win and a draw or two wins. Two wins virtually guarantees
it. This Saturday, we know it's going to be a tough game but we've given
ourselves the cushion that if we don't take points, we've got two games to
put it right."
2008/09: Remaining games
West Ham Utd: Liverpool (h); Everton (a); Middlesbrough (h).
Fulham: Aston Villa (h); Newcastle Utd (a); Everton (h).
Manchester City: Manchester Utd (a); Tottenham (a); Bolton (h).
Tottenham: Everton (a); Manchester City (h); Liverpool (a).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
300 and out
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has revealed that he had personal liabilities to the
tune of over £300million. The curent United owner is set to be deposed in
the next few weeks after admitting that he owes the fortune to a series of
creditors as a result of the worldwide banking collapse last year. Talking
to Icelandic publication Morgunbladid, the under-pressure Gudmundsson said,
via a statement: "The situation is naturally very bad. I have everything on
the line; personal liability extends to all of my assets. "I'm left with the
question, what is my position? I must admit that I'm a little lost. I just
don't know what I will be able to keep."
West Ham are set to be taken over by a group of creditors led by the
Straumer bank within the next few weeks, according to latest reports. CEO
Scott Duxbury, chief scout Gianfranco Nani plus the current management team
of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke are understood to have been told that
their jobs are safe. West Ham remains Gudmundsson's only viable asset yet he
is set to lose that once the current campaign comes to an end. The club's
impending new owners have indicated that they will continue to allow the
club to run 'as is', although a sale will be sought within the next three
years as the bank seek to claw back some of the massive losses incurred by
the financial downturn.
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Zola expects transfer kitty
Hammers boss hoping new owners can be found
By Chris Burton Last updated: 7th May 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is confident he will be allowed to delve into
the transfer market this summer. The Hammers are currently experiencing a
troubling time, with the finances of chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson coming
under close scrutiny. It is reported that the Icelandic businessman has
personal liabilities of £301million and he now appears destined to be on his
way out of Upton Park in the near future. The club do still need to find a
suitable buyer but there is already believed to have been interest in
Gudmundsson's stake. New owners would mean a fresh start for the Hammers and
their manager, with Zola of the opinion that changes at the top will prove
beneficial to his summer spending plans. "It looks very well for the club,
we might have the possibility of buying players and also to be in a
situation where we can really look forward positively," he said. "It is too
early to say which players because a lot will depend on players developing
and it will depend whether we achieve a European spot, that will give us a
different perspective for next year."
Zola also believes that a change in ownership will help to bring stability
back to West Ham. "Something is happening, all I know is that it will be of
benefit for the club because we will have stability for two or three years,"
added the Italian. "We can carry on doing our job. I see it as a positive
thing and everything is under control. It is the best situation we can have,
things are going well on the pitch and off it."
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'EVERYTHING IS LOOKING GOOD'
By Neil Mcleman 8/05/2009
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola yesterday claimed "everything is looking good" at West Ham -
despite the imminent change of ownership of the club. Club chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson admitted this week he might lose his Reykjavik home
as his personal liabilities were revealed to be £301million. The Icelandic
businessman (right), who bought the Upton Park side for £85m plus £20m of
debts in 2006, is about to sign over ownership of the club to a consortium
of creditors, led by Icelandic bank Straumur.
In these credit crunch times, it is like a bank taking possession of a house
when the owner can't pay the mortgage. But West Ham insist the new owners
see the club as an ongoing investment and will not sell it on again in the
short term. And Zola, who signed a new four-year contract last month after a
great first season in charge, reckons the Irons will be in a stronger
position on and off the field when the deal is done. "All I know is that it
will be a benefit for the club because we're going to have some stability
for two or three years," said Zola. "That guarantees us to carry on doing
our job. "I see it as a positive thing so everything is under consubmit
trol. Everything is looking good. Things are going very well on the pitch
and everything else is coming along. That's the best situation we can have,
considering all the difficulties we have had to work on this year."
These have included the Carlos Tevez affair, where West Ham agreed to pay
Sheffield United £25m in an out-of-court settlement. The club claim they
will the paperwork to Uefa to allow them to play in Europe next season when
the takeover is complete - and if they qualify. "I am quite confident - I
just trust the people here," Zola continued. "I have been here seven months
and everything they have told me has been respected. I have faith in them.
They told me the club won't have any problems and I believe them. I am not
worried about it. "And the people dealing with me - I am talking about Scott
Duxbury - he believes in what we're doing and will make sure that part of
the club is taken care of."
West Ham host Liverpool tomorrow evening as they continue their bid to
finish seventh and gain entry to the new Europa League next season. And Zola
said this will directly impact on the amount of money he has to spend in the
transfer market this summer. "Next year all depends on how we finish this
year," he said. "If we finish in the top seven then we have a plan and we
have a different plan if we don't."
CLOUDS ON HORIZON
West Ham still owe around £48m to five different banks
The FA and Premier League have launched another inquiry into the Tevez
affair. Another fine or even a points penalty could be imposed
After paying Sheffield United £25m in compensation, Blades players and
former manager Neil Warnock are pursuing £5m claim
Former manager Alan Curbishley is suing for £3m for wrongful dismissal
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th May 2009
By: Preview Percy
Liverpool at home next for a 5.30 kick-off to be covered by the ailing
Setanta channel whose match range in future seasons has been cut right back.
This is a worrying state of affairs for those of us who actually subscribe
to the channel as it's hard enough to cancel a subscription when the company
actually exists. You just know that if they actually go under they'll still
somehow manage to collect £13 a month from beyond the grave.
Liverpool have been doing their best to try to make things interesting at
the top of the league and currently lie in second place behind Fergie's mob.
However the Salford lot have advantages in both points and in games left
and, if a first title for donkey's years is to find its way to Anfield, the
scousers will probably have to hope for a 100% record to the end of the
season and pray for some sort of slip-up at the Theatre of Plastic. Current
form is decent – unbeaten in 8 and they've scored 21 in their last 6.
However their progress in recent weeks (actually decades) has been assisted
by a number of refereeing decisions best described as "generous" and it is
notable that, for example, on the same day that Howard Webb was getting so
much stick for giving the home side a match-changing penalty at Old
Trafford, Liverpool were getting just as much – if not more - assistance
from the officials up the other end of the M62 at Hull. However, ever since
their heyday of the 70's and 80's when home penalties in front of the Kop
appeared to be a contractual obligation on the part of referees, the media
seem to have signed up to some strange code of omerta that prevents them
from mentioning the club – and for that matter the city's - shortcomings,
for fear of prompting widespread protests from surely the touchiest
population in the land.
This code of silence appears at its most rigid when dealing with the papers'
darling Steve Gerrard. Gerrard's "auto"biography attributes a number of
quotes to him on the evils of players diving and even suggests that he would
"have a word" if he ever saw a team-mate indulging in such outrageous
cheating. One can only presume that he hasn't got round to it yet as they
have players all over the pitch capable of hitting the floor at the merest
breath of a wind. Of course Gerrard is no slouch in the scuba stakes himself
and he actually picked up a yellow for simulation in the 2-0 home win
against Chelsea. This is no mean feat in a league where it appears to be
standard refereeing practice to punish dives by, er, waving play on, though
it should be noted that the caution, when it came, marked what had probably
been his fourth cautionable offence of the match. You could have been
forgiven for not noticing it much on the box as it warranted barely a murmur
from the commentary team.
Gerrard nearly went to Chelsea a few years ago before turning up at a press
conference, pale-faced and clearly terrified of something when announcing
that he would be staying at Anfield after all. All of which might explain
his legendary lack of stability. After all if one or two of the people who
allegedly "advised" his family that he should remain on Merseyside shouted
"bang!" within my earshot I'd probably be inclined to hit the deck as well.
Gerrard has recovered from injury just in time for Saturday's match having
played a part in the 3-0 win against the struggling Geordies. Xavi Alonso is
a possible absentee for Saturday following Joey "you can take the boy out of
Liverpool" Barton's shocking tackle at the weekend. Alonso was stretchered
off but the injury is not as bad as was originally feared and he may be fit
to play some part in the proceedings though his official condition is
described as "doubtful".
Fernando Torres was left out of the Newcastle match. He has had hamstring
problems for much of this season and Benitez took the pragmatic view that
the Spaniard would have to start or not feature at all last weekend.
Hamstrings are notoriously tricky chappies and, if you are not going to
start a player with a dodgy one, bringing him on as a sub is always going to
be a risky proposition. A sub isn't usually going to get as comprehensive a
warm-up that those in the starting line-up might get, and a hamstring is
more likely to "go" when cold. The noises emanating from Anfield suggest
that Torres will "play some part" at the weekend and, given the state of his
hamstring, I'd expect him either to start or not appear at all.
There are a couple of ex-Hammers in the squad. Javier Mascherano is the
latest to succumb to Jacques Cousteau syndrome and his disgraceful tumble up
at Hull led to Liverpool's first at the KC stadium. Mascherano is currently
carrying an ankle knock but isn't showing up on any of the usual injury
lists at present so one presumes he'll be available for selection. Yossi
Benayoun is of course the other ex-Hammer who became the umpteenth player to
be signed by Liverpool following an illegal approach made whilst under
contract to another club. While a blind eye continues to be turned by the FA
to this sort of thing it will sadly continue. Benayoun is in decent form at
the moment and scoring goals – though his opener against the Geordies owed
much to the usual repeal of the offside law that applies to the home side at
Anfield. The manner of his departure will probably see him receive a mixed
reception on Saturday evening – his going back on his verbal agreement to
sign an improved deal netting him a lot more than the thirty pieces of
silver that is traditional in his part of the world.
One player missing from the side that drew 0-0 with us back in December of
course will be Robbie Keane. The Scousers' biggest illegal deal of the
season last summer ultimately caused much laughter in the football world
when it ended up costing them an initial £3m in transfer losses as he
returned to obscurity. This was added to an unspecified amount in hush money
disguised as a donation to Spurs' charity in return for Spurs not pursuing a
complaint they had lodged with the FA. Of course an FA with a bit of
backbone might have completed the investigation anyway but then an FA with
backbone might have done something about the other 900 times they've done
it.
As for us, the 1-0 win up at Stoke was a fine performance against a side few
have got much from at home. This weekend will be a different kettle of fish
of course as, though they are not quite the side that the media would have
us think they are, Liverpool do have a little more to their repertoire than
slinging long throws into the box. We do have some light at the end of the
injury tunnel though. James Collins is one who is listed as possibly being
available but, if that is the case I'd expect Ginge to be on the racing car
seats at the start of this one – Tomkins' form has been outstanding in
Ginge's absence and when a similar situation occurred earlier in the season
Zola had no worries about leaving Ginge out. Whilst it was a pleasant
surprise last time it occurred, nobody would bat an eyelid if Tomkins were
to keep his place this time round.
Up front Carlton Cole is said to be close to a return. Tristan's form has
improved in recent weeks as the realisation that his deal is coming to an
end hits home and he has started to held the ball up well. However, he does
appear to possess all the pace of a freshly kneecapped tortoise and the sort
of game that came in so useful at Stoke isn't likely to be required this
weekend. So if Carlton is ready I'd start him – especially since he tends to
bring what passes for the best out of DDM. Other players likely to be in the
frame for at least a spot in Formula One corner include Dyer and Savio,
neither of whom had any involvement last weekend, and Jack Collison who
returned from injury last week following a wince-inducing injury to his
kneecap.
Between the sticks England's no.1 will be making his 100th appearance for
the club. There has been some ludicrous talk that Almunia of Arsenal might
be called up for England once he qualifies as a UK citizen. That would be
the final insult for Green who would be forgiven for wondering whether a
change of nationality to Brazilian might be worth a shout. Green's
performance at the Britannia was bravery itself against the aerial onslaught
and the DVD of that match ought to be required viewing before the name
Almunia is mentioned again in connection with anything other than Scotland.
We haven't actually beaten any of the so-called "big" 4 this season. My own
feeling is that we're probably just a player or two short at the moment in
the injury stakes and I'd be more optimistic were Behrami or Parker
available for selection. However spirit within the camp appears to be good
and, if (unlike the rest of us) everyone can settle down after laughing at
Chelsea I can see us battling out a point so I'll plump for a 1-1 this time
out as long as ref Wiley keeps an eye on the theatrics.
Enjoy the game!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rangers round on Curbishley?
By Rangers Reporter - 07/05/2009 18:29
Rangersreturn.com
Are Queens Park Rangers reportedly making a move for former West Ham United
manager Alan Curbishley in the quest to fulfil their management post? Queens
Park Rangers may well be on the brink of landing experienced Premier League
manager Alan Curbishley, according to reports that have begun to break in
and amongst media circles this Thursday evening. Curbishley is a vastly
experienced manager in the Premier League, firstly with Charlton Athletic
and latterly with West Ham United, before leaving the Hammers at the
beginning of the season citing transfer control at the East London club as a
key problem to operating at Upton Park. But now, club sources close to us
here at Rangers Return deem that Alan Curbishley may well have become the
primary target for the club, after seeing two recent foreign managers fail
to ignite a promotion challenge to the Premier League. The source revealed -
"I'm not sure QPR has profited from the two foreign managers the club has
had so far. The Championship is a difficult league - and it needs someone
who knows about English football at this level from day one." And when
quizzed on the ex-Hammers boss specifically, added - "But Curbishley? It
would need special negotiation to make it happen - although the proven
experience he would bring, would have to interest the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola does not have money worries
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 07 May 2009 - 10:26 PM
Gianfranco insists he will have money to spend this summer - despite West
Ham chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson revealing he owes a staggering
£301million. The billionaire banker looks set to lose everything, leaving
the Hammers desperate to complete takeover talks with a consortium of
creditors led by Icelandic bank Straumur. The Hammers' problems have led to
speculation surrounding their ability to satisfy UEFA's conditions, but
Zola, who recently signed a new four-year deal to remain at Upton Park, says
he has been assured that the current financial crisis will not prevent him
from splashing the cash this summer. "I am quite confident and trust the
people here at West Ham," he said. "I have been here seven months and
everything they told me has happened and I have faith in them. "They told me
the club wouldn't have any problems and I am not worried about it. "I know
something is happening and all I know is that it will be a benefit of the
club because we will have some stability for two or three years and
guarantees us to do our own job. "It is looking very good for the club and I
will have the possibility to buy some players and be in a situation to look
forward in a positive manner."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola makes Cardiff's Ledley priority West Ham signing
08.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has made Cardiff City winger Joe Ledley
his No1 target. The Daily Mail says the Hammers tried for the Wales
international during the January transfer window but Cardiff kept their
prize asset for the push for promotion to the Barclays Premier League. The
Bluebirds failed to make the play-offs and Cardiff manager Dave Jones admits
they may lose Ledley this summer. Ledley has played alongside Jack Collison,
James Collins and Danny Gabbidon at international level and his style would
fit in with Zola's attacking philosophy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola admits West Ham form has him rethinking transfer plans
08.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola admits the players' recent form has
forced him to reconsider his summer market plans. He told whufc.com: "We are
working but it's too early to say that as a lot of it depends on the players
we have got. "Some of the players are developing very well and that may
change our targets for the next year so it is too early to say. We will try
to improve a little bit in what we are lacking, but don't forget we should
have Dean Ashton and that could be a very big player for us and someone we
have missed the whole year. "We will see but our next year depends on how we
finish this year. If we finish in the top seven and get into Europe we have
a plan and if we don't qualify for Europe we have a different plan."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola sees chance of knocking off Liverpool
08.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says they see Liverpool as the top four
club they're capable of beating. "In my opinion they are a team you'd rather
play at their home than away as if you look at their record away it must be
one of the best in the Premier League," Zola told whufc.com. "So it is a
really tough match for us but my players are determined to beat one of the
really top sides. "We played Manchester United at home and Chelsea at home
and we went very close and were unlucky. We keep trying as we lost against
those teams but we learnt a lot from them and we are confident that Saturday
is going to be a different game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola can understand Chelsea frustration
08.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has called for critics to understand the
emotion of Didier Drogba after the Chelsea striker targeted referee Tom
Henning Ovrebo following the Champions League defeat to Barcelona. Chelsea
legend Zola added: "It's been a cold shower for everybody, including me. It
was a big blow but they don't have to be too disappointed because they
played the right way and were unlucky. "We are all human beings, it is
understandable that they went so close and I can understand some reactions.
It is easy to judge from outside but sometimes you have to understand what
people are going through emotionally."
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