WHUFC.com
Mark Noble wants to mark his 22nd birthday by beating Liverpool for the
second season in a row
08.05.2009
Mark Noble is eager to celebrate his birthday with victory over Liverpool on
Saturday.
The West Ham United midfielder, who turned 22 on Friday, scored a scored a
dramatic 93rd minute penalty to see off the Reds at the Boleyn Ground last
season.
At the time, the Hammers were sat comfortably in mid-table, while Rafa
Benitez's side were already out of the Premier League title race, 14 points
behind leaders Manchester United.
This season, a huge amount rests on the game for both clubs, with West Ham
chasing a seventh-place finish and European qualification and Liverpool
still in with a chance of winning the Premier League title for the first
time in their history.
"I scored the penalty and it was a good result for us," recalled the England
Under-21 star. "We were mid-table at the time and there wasn't much on the
game but now we've moved on and every point we pick up now is important."
Noble knows the Reds, who have scored 35 goals in their last eleven matches,
will be desperate to make amends for last season's defeat.
"This is probably the only year since I've been playing that Liverpool are
up there challenging. You look at them this season and they look very
strong.
"They don't have too many weak links in their team. They've competed right
through and stayed on Manchester United's heels all that time which is a
credit to them."
While Liverpool will go top of the table with a win, West Ham could
strengthen their grip on seventh spot with victory themselves, with rivals
Manchester City, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur facing tough-looking fixtures
against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton respectively.
Noble, one of eight Academy graduates to appear for the first-team this
season, believes West Ham's young guns can fire the Hammers into Europe, an
experience he thinks will be hugely beneficial to every player at the club.
"We have a lot of young players at the club now and there are more to come.
I know some people are sceptical about the new Europa League but as a squad,
that is what we're aiming at.
"We're progressing all the time. Last season we would have probably drawn
last weekend's match at Stoke but we won it. I think that proves we are
fully tuned and we want to qualify for Europe.
"It would be great for the club and exciting for me because I haven't played
there yet for West Ham and I'm hungry to do that.
"Lucas Neill has said four more points will give us that seventh spot and I
probably agree with him. We've looked at the other teams around us but we
have to concentrate on ourselves and pick up points in these last three
games.
"It's quite a tough run-in but we want those points on the board."
One player who has proved invaluable to the club during the absence through
injury of England striker Carlton Cole has been former Spain forward Diego
Tristan, who has scored twice in his last three games and led the line
superbly.
Noble, for one, has been impressed with the form and commitment of Tristan,
who joined the club on a free transfer in November.
"It would be easy for a player like Diego to come here, sign a contract for
a year and think 'I've already done it in my career and maybe take it a bit
easy. The manager [Gianfranco Zola] though, is on to Diego constantly,
saying 'Diego, come on', because he knows what he can do.
"He may not be the most athletic person now but he knows where the goal is.
I dread to think what we would have done if we hadn't had Diego while
Carlton Cole has been injured. He's been a revelation."
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Closing the gap
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham United are closing the distance between
themselves and the big four
08.05.2009
West Ham United are closing the gap between themselves and the Premier
League's big-four.
That was the view of manager Gianfranco Zola ahead of the Hammers' latest
face-off against one of English football's top guns.
Liverpool visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday knowing a win will take them
top of the Premier League table, at least until Manchester United have taken
on Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
However, Zola, his coaching staff and his players have other ideas and are
determined to prove they can compete with the biggest clubs in the land.
West Ham grabbed a point at Anfield in the reverse fixture on 1 December
courtesy of a hard-earned goalless draw, while Mark Noble's last-gasp
penalty was enough to secure a 1-0 home win over the Reds on their last
visit in January 2008.
On Saturday, the home side know victory will not only send out a message to
the rest of the Premier League, but also boost their own chances of securing
a top-seven finish and a coveted spot in next season's UEFA Europa League.
Zola's Hammers have already secured draws at Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal
this season, but the manager believes it will not be long before his
improving side take all three points from one of the Premier League giants,
with the club's promising youngsters to the fore.
"The gap is a big one. The four or five teams at the top are really above
everybody else, but I do trust and rely on the fact that we have a lot of
young players who are just in their first year as regular players. I'm sure
over the next year that they will develop a lot and they will be more
competitive. The gap is big but my faith is also big."
Having joined the club in September, Zola was not afforded the luxury of a
full pre-season with his players this term. This summer, the Italian will
have all the time he needs to prepare his team for an impressive 2009/10
season.
"I believe that this team next year [can do better], starting from the
beginning because they already know the way we play, which is a big
advantage for us. If we have a couple of players who can take the level of
the team up, there will still be a gap for sure because we're talking about
the best teams in Europe, then the gap will not be as big as this year."
While he is looking forward to next season, Zola's mind is still fully
focused on this Saturday's match against Rafael Benitez's free-scoring side.
Liverpool have netted 35 goals in their last eleven matches, and the West
Ham boss knows his team will need to be at their very best to shackle the
likes of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt.
"It is a difficult team to play against but trust me when I say that every
time I play I am confident I will win. That is the kind of mentality that I
have. It is down to them and us and if we have a good day then we can cause
them problems. If we can cause them problems then we can do well, but if we
don't pose any threat to them, then they have so many good players that they
will hurt us."
Zola, who signed a new long-term contract until the summer of 2013 a
fortnight ago, also took time out to make it clear that he was not being
distracted by newspaper speculation over the club's future off the pitch.
Instead, the manager vowed to concentrate on his own job of getting things
right on it.
"I'm quite confident. I just trust the people. So far, I have been here
seven months and everything they have told me has been respected, so I have
faith in them. They told me the club won't have any problems and I believe
them. I'm not worried about it, honestly.
"My concern is to worry about what happens on the pitch and I'm positive
that the people who are dealing with me, I'm talking about [CEO] Scott
Duxbury who is very close to and believes in what we're doing, are taking
care of that part of the club properly."
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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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is close to recovering from a groin injury but
this weekend's game may come too soon. Savio is back in the squad after
illness but Scott Parker (groin) is out, along with James Collins (calf) and
Kieron Dyer (hamstring).
Midfielder Xabi Alonso misses out for Liverpool after failing to recover
from the ankle injury he picked up following Joey Barton's tackle against
Newcastle.
Striker Fernando Torres (hamstring) and midfielder Javier Mascherano (ankle)
are expected to play at Upton Park.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Stanislas, Noble,
Lopez, Kovac, Boa Morte, Collison, Tristan, Di Michele, Sears, Lastuvka,
Spector, Payne, Hines, Savio.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Agger, Dossena,
Aurelio, Insua, Benayoun, Gerrard, Babel, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres,
Riera, Cavalieri, Ngog, El Zhar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "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 "So it is a really tough match for us but my
players are determined to beat one of the really top sides. "If we can cause
them problems then we can do well, but if we don't pose any threat to them,
then they have so many good players that they will hurt us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola vindicated by European push
BBC.co.uk
Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham's push for a Europa League place has
vindicated his decision not to compromise his football beliefs. The
42-year-old Italian lost seven of his first 10 games in charge. But he has
since led his side to seventh place in the Premier League with three games
to go. "I stayed firm on my position and never lost my faith and in the end
I was proved right, but it was a very difficult time for me," said Zola.
"When I was coming off the pitch every time with a defeat and no points, my
beliefs were under attack. "There was a moment when I was feeling
uncomfortable because, when I started the job, I had a lot of positivity and
I had an idea of how football should be played."
The turning point for Zola came on Boxing Day when his side beat Portsmouth
4-1 at Fratton Park. In the 20 games since then the Hammers have won nine,
drawn six and lost only five. With home games against Liverpool and
Middlesbrough sandwiching an away tie at Everton, Zola's side still have
plenty of work to do to fend off the challenge of Manchester City, Fulham
and Tottenham for seventh place in the Premier league. But the former
Chelsea midfielder said his players were confident of achieving their goal.
"If we didn't believe we can reach the Europa League, we would not have
fought so much against Stoke City," he commented. "My players and myself
believe we can achieve that and we are going to give everything on the pitch
to make sure that happens. "We know that every game in the Premier League is
difficult, even if we were playing West Brom who are already relegated. "We
know there are difficulties but we know how much we care, how much fight we
have put in so far.
"We are going to give it everything, if it is enough then that is ok, if not
then we will try again next year."
Full interview on Football Focus, 11.30 BST, Saturday 9 May.
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West Ham v Liverpool preview
Reds looking to keep up pressure on United
Last updated: 8th May 2009
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 0 Liverpool 1
Sky Bet odds: West Ham 5/1, Draw 13/5, Liverpool 8/13
One to Watch: Steven Gerrard
Liverpool travel to European-chasing West Ham on Saturday aiming to keep
their title bid on track. The Reds can go back to the top of the table for
24 hours at least with a victory at Upton Park, as Manchester United are not
in action until Sunday. However, West Ham have proven to be a tough nut to
crack under Gianfranco Zola and are seeking to cement their place in seventh
spot as they look to secure a Europa League berth next season. Liverpool
make the trip to London without Xabi Alonso after he picked up a foot injury
following Joey Barton's ugly lunge at him during last weekend's win over
Newcastle. Brazilian Lucas Levia is expected to start in midfield in place
of Alonso Former West Ham man Javier Mascherano is fit to face his old
employers after shaking off a slight knock. Fernando Torres is set to return
after missing the 3-0 victory over Newcastle with a hamstring strain. West
Ham striker Carlton Cole is close to a return to action after a groin injury
but the visit of Liverpool may come too soon for the England international.
January signing Savio is back in the squad after illness, while Jack
Collison is pushing for a return to the starting XI after recovering from a
knee injury. The home side are still missing long-term absentees Dean Ashton
(ankle), Valon Behrami (knee) and Danny Gabbidon. Scott Parker is also
sidelined with a groin injury, while James Collins (calf) and Kieron Dyer
(hamstring) are also on the casualty list.
Possible starting XIs
West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa Morte, Noble, Stanislas,
Kovac, Tristan, Di Michele.
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Kuyt, Mascherano,
Lucas, Riera, Gerrard, Torres.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View from the Opposition - Liverpool FC
One McAvennieeeeee - Wed May 6 2009
West Ham Online
Liverpool visit Upton Park this Saturday evening for what is a massive game
for both clubs. Liverpool are still in with a chance of their first ever
Premiership Title and after a great victory over Stoke last weekend, we are
back in 7th and looking to hold on and get that last European place.
Liverpool legend and Match of the Day analyst Mark Lawrenson has kindly
taken time out of his busy schedule to answer our pre match questions.
*****PLEASE NOTE THIS INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE OVER THE TELEPHONE*****
Q.Getting to the business end of the season now, what is your view of
Liverpool so far?
A. Very good, still with a chance of winning the Premiership. Man Utd are
favourites but to be in this position, still fighting with a few games to go
is what all the supporters wanted. Of all the trophies it was possible to
win this season to go into May still in with a shout is very pleasing.
Q. Who doesn't deserve a place in your starting line up?
A. Anyone that doesn't play well on a regular basis.
Q. Well obviously but who is that true of for Liverpool?
A. I can't name names, I'm pro Liverpool not anti Liverpool.
Q. Often described as a two man team, apart from Gerrard and Torres, who
should we look out for?
A. We have a good spine, the goalkeeper is under rated, Carragher, Skrtle,
Alonso, Mascherano all players that the majority of teams would love to
have. It's just that Gerrard and Torres are world class.
Q. Unless your name is Pardew and you don't play players like Mascherano?
A. Answers on a postcard for that one.
Q. What is your view of West Ham this season?
A.Very very good, When Gianfranco took over and with all the stories of
selling players to survive I thought at best you'd be 6th bottom but you've
done brilliantly. If you sold your best players relegation looked on the
cards but I've been really impressed, and they tell me that training is
excellent, the coaching is good and the players have bought into it.
Q...........and our Fans?
A.In the play-offs where you beat Preston (my home team) I was in the wrong
end with my son amongst about 30,000 of you lot and you were absolutely
brilliant. We had a laugh and a joke, you were great. My son had his Preston
scarf on and we had some good banter. You were as good as gold and in
fairness you deserved to beat us that day.
Q. Local Liverpool legend has it that if a female virgin or an honest man
walk past the famous Liver Building in the City, the stone birds on top of
the building will flap their wings. What are the chances of this myth ever
being tested?
A. Never gonna happen.
Q.What are your memories of West Ham from your playing days – if you can
remember that far back?
A. Just all the points we used to take off you on a regular basis.
Q.If you could make one rule change what would it be?
A. I'd change two. Not being booked for taking your shirt off when
celebrating which is pathetic and not having to go off and come back on
again when you're injured.
Q. What are your Favourite flavour Crisps?
A. Salt and Vinegar – anything but Walkers.
Q. Do you have a fantasy football team. If so who is in it?
A. No, I used to have one in the Daily Mirror but you're just asking for
trouble aren't you. I mean it's bad enough predicting the results on the BBC
website, you can imagine the grief I get for that, what they don't know is
my dog does it..
Q. Well, we have a weekly thread on it and if you predict we lose we have a
party because 9 times out of ten you're wrong?
A. There are 14 teams in the league saying the same thing. People I meet say
'you predict us to lose every week' even if I actually don't.
Q. The same sort of people that moan about the schedule of Match of the Day?
A. Yeah yeah, when they ask why are we always on 8th I tell them it's
because there was no 9th.
Q. As of mid March, if your predictions were correct we'd be 5th from bottom
on 21 points (18 points out). Do you think the BBC tea lady could do better?
A. Yeah probably. But If I seriously thought I could predict all the Premier
League games, I'd be talking to you from my yacht in Bermuda.
Q. On 9th Jan 2009 Rafa Benitez launched an attack on Sir Alex Ferguson. Do
you think it was too early to hand over the title Manchester United – our
stoke fan last week asked why managers keep falling for Fergies mind games?
A. erm? I don't know. The league isn't over yet but I think it's just a case
of shut up and get on with it – for everyone. I think it's fine to have a
go, but do it once then get on with it.
Q. How has Yossi Benayoun settled in the team?
A. He's done really well. The complaint from some supporters is if Gerrard
or Torres doesn't win you the game, who will? Well Yossi has won us a few in
the last couple of months. There are times when you think he is a little
lightweight but he can't do anything about that, he's a really good player.
Q. Recent anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy which we could see from
MOTD was a particularly emotional time for you and although this is a light
hearted thread I thought it wrong not to mention it as it had such a massive
impact on football worldwide. Do you think enough has been done with safety
in grounds, and do you think that safe standing areas are a possibility/good
idea?
A. Don't think we'll ever see standing areas again even though there is a
group lobbying for it, I really can't see anyone signing that off. The new
stadia that has come out since Hillsborough is one of the best things to
happen. People say it has affect the atmosphere but I don't see that at Old
Trafford of Anfield when the team is winning.
Q. Hillsborough? Flames added to Crest, memorial services. Justice for the
96 etc – anything similar happening in May Re: Heysel?
A. No I don't think so. I think there is still a great deal of truth hasn't
come out of both tragedies.
Q. If you could choose one player from West Ham to play for Liverpool who
would it be?
A. Gianfranco Zola (laughs)
Q. As a Player or a Manager? To be fair, he could still probably do a job
for us!
A. A player definitely. It's true he could still do a job for you but he
would be at a better team! (chuckles)
Q. I'll be killed if i don't ask about your hair. You left your playing
boots in the 80's. Did you forget to leave your hairstyle there too?
A. Fair question, I bet you the baldies asked you to ask that. YOU'RE ALL
JEALOUS! Do it while I still can, that's my motto. Who gives a Shit!
Q. What is your favourite football related memory?
A. Making my debut for Preston. That was the be all and end all for me. I
can still name the Preston team that you beat in the FA Cup final. You broke
my heart that day, I was seven.
Q. There has been much made of chanting over the last week or so. What is
your opinion on them and what is the best/funniest chant you've heard?
A. Chanting's what it is. You get some villages without their idiots who
make up some poor ones and on the other hand you get some very very good
ones. One of the best things I heard was from a player. I was playing in a
League Cup game against a lower league team and Liverpool were winning about
5-0. We were going forward all the time and Terry McDermott was running down
the wing shouting 'Charge'. You had to be there I suppose but it was funny
just watching him run shouting 'CHAARRGGGEEE!!!'.
Q. What will you do/say on MOTD to prove it is you answering the questions?
A. I don't need to prove it was me. I know it was me, I was there.
Q. What piece of memorabilia are you most proud of?
A. European Cup winners medal 1984. The best club medal to win.
Q. We regularly ask for a question to ask our next set of supporters. What
question would you like to ask our Everton Fan?
A. Most of my in laws are Evertonians. Ask them if they'd share a stadium
with Liverpool?
Q. What is your view on that?
A. Yes, I think it would be fantastic. Both teams need a new ground which
will cost them fortunes.
Q. Not many Merseysiders would agree with you?
A. I think they would, but I guess you'll see next week when you ask them.
Q. You can take the boy out of Liverpool but can't take Liverpool out of the
boy. How has Gerrards off the field problems affected his form?
A. You wouldn't know, he has been brilliant every week. He has been Mr
Liverpool for the last 10 years.
Q. Robbie Keane is a goal scorer, Liverpool need another Goal scorer. Was it
just a case of him being bought behind Rafa's back or did his caravan not
fit in the training ground?
A. Didn't fit into the system, end of story. 4-2-3-1 is the system Liverpool
play, the middle of the 3 is Gerrard and the 1 is always going to be Torres
so where does Robbie fit in? He doesn't.
Q. So why was he bought?
A. You'd have to ask Benitez. Maybe because they weren't getting Gareth
Barry so went and got Robbie. Who knows?
Q. Tom Hicks doesn't agree that Gillette is the best a man can get – what is
your view on foreign owners in English football?
A. No real problems as long as when they come in and promise X Y and Z they
do it. The problem with Gillette and Hicks is we're nowhere near a new
ground which is a massive problem for Liverpool. Every time you play at home
you are losing money compared to other clubs. They've let the club down.
Q. Almunia the Arsenal goal keeper qualifies to play for England this year,
what is your view of mediocre players playing for a country not of their
birth?
A. Depends on the Country. If England have mediocre players playing for them
there is something wrong.
Q. I was alluding to you playing for Ireland. Why did you not want to play
for the country of your birth? Do you regret it?
A. I was 18, playing in the Third division. I don't regret it at all. I mean
Liverpool signed me on the basis of seeing me play for Ireland.
Q. Now that Manchester United are going to equal your record of league
titles and could quite possibly move to within one of you record of European
Cups - what straw will you grasp at next to claim you are England's greatest
club? (A question from: The Joker)
A. That kind of thing really doesn't bother me. Whoever wins the league has
been the best team over the course of the season. If it turns out to be Man
Utd, good luck to them.
Q. Out of Champions league, Premiership slipping away. Should we hold a
minutes silence following the death of your season?
A. No
Q. Would it not be a time saving exercise to just design a shirt with a
black armband already in it?
A. hehehehe, I'll have to answer no to that as well (chuckles)
Q. Lawro Predicts?
A. It's going to be a long hot dry summer.
Q. Ok, what do you think the score will be?
1-2
Q. If you lose do you think the season is over?
A. Oh yeah, we need to win every game.
Many thanks to Mark for answering our questions
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble is happy to step up despite his spot of bother
Ken Dyer
08.05.09
Evening Standard
Mark Noble knows he risks landing one of the great unwanted hat-tricks in
football if West Ham are awarded a penalty against Liverpool - but he is up
for the challenge.
Noble, who yesterday celebrated his 22nd birthday, has seen his last two
spot kicks saved against Hull in January and most recently by Chelsea
goalkeeper Petr Cech.
But this feisty east Londoner will not willingly step aside, even if he is
told to by boss Gianfranco Zola. He said: "Obviously, I've missed two in a
row and it's possible someone wants to take them now but if that happens, it
happens. "The manager hasn't said anything to me but if I was told to let
someone else have a go, then so be it.
"All I can say, though, is that if I was playing in a World Cup Final
tomorrow I would still be up for taking a penalty. "I would have been more
devastated had I blazed it wide or over the crossbar but Petr Cech made a
good save. "Obviously, I was gutted after the game but it happens, it's
life. "It may be a strange way to think but the way I looked at it was that
I had just missed a penalty against one of the best sides in Europe but no
one got killed. There are boys my age dodging bullets out in Afghanistan so
let's keep things in perspective. "I'm a West Ham fan myself so I know how
much it means to people but it's not life or death, is it?"
Noble has already packed in almost 100 senior matches for West Ham since he
made his debut aged 17 and is already one of the longest-serving players at
the club.
He has also been a constant in the second half of the season, while his
other midfield partners such as the energetic Valon Behrami, Scott Parker
and Jack Collison, have fallen by the way side with various injuries. "There
are times when I feel a bit tired," he added. "Perhaps that's because I've
had two seasons now of 30-plus games and my body is slowly adjusting to that
workload. By the time I'm in my mid-20's I should be able to absorb that
kind of schedule without feeling the fatigue. "I feel good in myself now,
though, and really confident at the moment and I just hope that carries me
through to the end of the season."
Noble is aware that next season may well be even more demanding if West Ham
finish in seventh and qualify for the new Europa League. Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is unlikely to be the club's owner for much longer after
admitting he has personal liabilities of £300million meaning Zola is likely
to have to rely on the squad he already has. "We have a lot of young players
at the club now and there are more yet to come," Noble said. "I know some
people are wary of the new Europa League but as a squad, that is what we're
aiming at. "We're progressing all the time. Last season we would have
probably drawn last weekend's match at Stoke but we won it. I think that
proves we are ready to qualify for Europe."
When Liverpool last came to Upton Park, Noble scored from the spot to give
his side a 1-0 win. The Reds can reclaim top spot from Manchester United
and skipper Steven Gerrard said: "We will keep going until the end. We won't
surrender when we're so close. Winning the title with this club would mean
the world to me. "We have got world-class players, we have turned in some
fantastic displays of attacking football and some really solid defensive
performances. "We have got absolutely everything you need to be successful
at the very highest level."
Liverpool have major doubts about midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is still
suffering from the leg injury sustained in Joey Barton's red-card tackle.
But Fernando Torres should be back from a groin problem.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola out to wreck Reds hopes
Hammers boss looking to boost European hopes
Last updated: 8th May 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has challenged his West Ham players to stay on course for
European qualification by claiming victory over Liverpool. The Hammers
currently lead the chase for seventh place and Zola believes a win and a
draw from the final three games of the season should be enough. The Italian
tactician hopes his side can do better than that and has set his sights on a
win over title-chasing Liverpool on Saturday. "It's looking more than likely
that four points is going to be enough," said Zola. "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."
West Ham have not beaten any of the top four sides since Zola took charge
but he is confident that can change at Upton Park this weekend. Zola does
accept, however, that Liverpool are extremely dangerous opponents on their
travels and will be difficult to stop. "In my opinion they are a team you'd
rather play at their home as if you look at their record away it must be one
of the best in the Premier League," he comented. "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 battled to a 1-0 victory at Stoke last weekend, with Diego
Tristan curling home an excellent free-kick to clinch all three points. Zola
added: "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."
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Hammers put transfer plans on hold
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 08 May 2009 - 8:46 AM
Gianfranco Zola reckons West Ham need just four points to qualify for next
season's Europa League but insists all transfer plans are on hold until they
seal seventh spot. The Hammers are within touching distance of European
football but it has been a turbulent time in east London this season, with
their finances constantly under scrutiny.Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
owes a staggering £301m and there are reports Zola's team could miss out on
a European place if they fail to satisfy UEFA's requirements over finances.
But Zola reckons all is in order at Upton Park and Europa League football
remains on his agenda. "I know that we have an agreement with UEFA to extend
the deadline," he said. "We probably only need four more points but a lot
depends on whether we qualify for Europe. "We have a plan for players if we
qualify and another if we don't. "But everything is looking good. It's
great, things are coming along and that's the best situation you can have."
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Alonso Hammer blow strikes Liverpool
by Ben Blackmore , 08 May 2009
setanta.co.uk
Rafa Benitez has confirmed Xabi Alonso's absence from Liverpool's crucial
trip to West Ham – live on Setanta this Saturday. Liverpool visit West Ham
live on Setanta Sports on Saturday afternoon. Click here for details on how
to sign up to Setanta Sports on Satellite, Freeview or Setanta-i. Alonso
suffered heavy bruising after Joey Barton's X-rated challenge at Anfield
last weekend, and Benitez admits the Spaniard will not travel to Upton Park.
Better news surrounds Javier Mascherano, who twisted his ankle in the same
game, and Fernando Torres – both of whom took part in Friday's training
session. "Javier was training and is in the squad, and so is Fernando,"
Benitez told Liverpool's official website. "Xabi is not fit and cannot play.
"We think maybe in the next week he will be okay. We had an idea that he
could be fit for this game but in the end it was impossible."
As a result, Lucas Leiva will be expected to deputise alongside Mascherano
in midfield as The Reds bid to hit top spot.
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Tottenham, West Ham watching Genoa fullback Vanden Borre
08.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
Genoa fullback Anthony vanden Borre is again on the shopping list of
Premiership clubs. French sources say PSG are keen on the young Belgium
international, but face competition from Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Ham
ahead of the summer market.
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Wolves go for West Ham defender Davenport
08.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham defender Calum Davenport is a £1.5 million target for promoted
Wolves. The Express & Star says the 26-year-old, on-loan at Sunderland, is
one of several Premier League names being considered by manager Mick
McCarthy to bolster his defence. Former manager McCarthy retains contacts in
and around the Stadium of Light and Davenport's form will have been
assessed.
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Widdowson Offered Deal
By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 08/05/2009
Thefishy.co.uk
PREMIERSHIP full back Joe Widdowson has been offered a permanent contract to
stay at Blundell Park. The West Ham left back has spent most of 2009 on loan
with Grimsby, and Mike Newell is hoping to sign the 20-year-old permanently.
Widdowson told the Grimsby Telegraph: "The gaffer spoke to me last week and
told me he was keen to keep me which I was very pleased to hear. I've had a
great time up here and I'd be delighted to come back next season.Hopefully
something will get sorted and I'll be a Grimsby player when the new season
starts in August."
Widdowson was sent off in the season's deciding weekend at Bournemouth and
had to miss the finale with Macclesfield, but he managed to play in the
previous 20 games, and is looking forward to being able to resume again next
season where he left off. Widdowson said: "I feel really at home now in
Grimsby. Playing at Blundell Park in front of our fans is great - I missed
that through being suspended for the last game. It feels like I've been here
a lot longer than four or five months. I've had a great time - you can't
beat playing football every week."
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