All the early team news and background for Sunday's final game of the
2007/08 league season
09.05.2008
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 11 May
3pm
Referee: Mike Dean
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference and live commentary to come
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
Introduction
* West Ham United, tenth in the Barclays Premier League, welcome Aston Villa
knowing Tottenham Hotspur, who are two points adrift, need to win at home to
Liverpool in order to have a chance of denying Alan Curbishley's men a
top-half finish in the 2007/08 campaign.
* Aston Villa are chasing fifth place - and a guarantee of UEFA Cup football
for next season. They need to win and hope that Everton lose at home to
Newcastle United. Villa are also looking over their shoulders at Blackburn
Rovers and Portsmouth, one and two points adrift, respectively - although
they have a far superior goal difference.
* Tottenham are the only team that can catch them from those in the bottom
half of the table.
* George McCartney made his 52th consecutive appearance in all club
competitions in last weekend's 4-1 defeat at Manchester United - dating back
to the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers on 17 March 2007.
* A win would take West Ham United beyond the 50-point mark in the top
flight - something the club has only managed seven times in the previous 14
seasons since 1992/93.
* West Ham United have been in the top half of the table for all but one
week since the middle of November.
* For the second season running, West Ham United's last away game came at
Old Trafford. At the end of the 2006/07 campaign, Curbishley's team arrived
for the final fixture not certain of Barclays Premier League survival
although that was confirmed with Carlos Tevez's 45th-minute winner on 13 May
as Sheffield United failed to beat Wigan Athletic at home, losing 2-1.
* West Ham United are looking to prolong Aston Villa's poor run in the
capital, with the midlands side not having won in London since a 2-1 victory
against Alan Curbishley's Charlton Athletic on 27 March 2004.
* The clubs have drawn six of the last seven meetings at the Boleyn Ground.
The last home win was a 4-0 success on 12 September 2005 when Marlon
Harewood hit a hat-trick against his future employers - Yossi Benayoun got
the fourth late on.
* Villa have not won any of their last eight league visits to the Boleyn
Ground - although there have been two League Cup victories. The last
top-flight success was a 2-0 win on 4 December 1996.
Last match
* Alan Curbishley's men lost 4-1 against Manchester United last Saturday.
Two quickfire goals from Ronaldo put the champions on their way before
Carlos Tevez struck a sublime third. Dean Ashton's overhead kick - the best
goal of his career - pulled one back before the half-hour mark but, despite
Nani's dismissal, Michael Carrick put the game out of reach on the hour.
* Villa saw their European hopes dented by a 2-0 home defeat by Wigan. Both
goals came from Antonio Valencia in the second half.
Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United (2 May): Green, Pantsil, Tomkins,
Neill, McCartney, Noble, Parker, Mullins (Sears 75), Boa Morte (Solano 52),
Ashton (Cole 56), Zamora
Subs not used: Walker, Collison
Goals: Ronaldo 3, 24, Tevez 26, Ashton 28, Carrick 59
Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan Athletic (2 May): Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight
(Berger 60), Bouma (Harewood 69), Young, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Carew,
Agbonlahor.
Subs not used: Taylor, Salifou, Routledge
Goals: Valencia 52, 63
Team news
* Dean Ashton, with four goals in his last seven games, came off against
Manchester United with a groin problem. Fitness permitting, he will hope to
compete with Bobby Zamora, Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears for a starting
berth. Luis Boa Morte was also substituted with a hip problem but could
still be in contention.
* Matthew Upson, Anton Ferdinand and Jonathan Spector have all not been
available to the manager since the 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on 12
April, when all three started the game. Ferdinand has been training again
after stepping up his running last week but it is not certain he will play.
* John Pantsil, Lucas Neill and James Tomkins have all deputised in their
absence with Neill and Tomkins forming a central defensive partnership.
Pantsil has played 90 minutes in the last three matches in a row, the first
time he has done that since joining the club.
* Freddie Ljungberg is out for four weeks with a cracked rib suffered early
in the first half against Newcastle. Julien Faubert also missed out on the
Manchester United game with a tight hamstring.
* Villa are likely to have a fully-fit squad to choose from except for Craig
Gardner (thigh) and Curtis Davies (achilles), although the former is back in
training. Patrik Berger will also not play because of comments made to the
media regarding the future of Villa captain Gareth Barry. John Carew has
been battling a groin injury of late.
Background
* After 37 games last season, West Ham United were three points from the
relegation zone and had just 38 points compared to the 48 they have achieved
from the same number of matches this campaign.
* West Ham United and Aston Villa last met at Villa Park on 6 October when
Craig Gardner's deflected 24th-minute strike was all that separated the
teams. The day was marred by an injury to Ashton that would rule him out of
the next five games.
* The lineups were:
Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Gardner (Petrov 78),
Reo-Coker, Barry, Agbonlahor, Moore (Maloney 66), Young
Subs not used: Taylor, Davies, Osbourne
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg,
Bowyer, Mullins (Noble 80), Etherington (Boa Morte 81), Ashton, Camara (Cole
36)
Subs not used: Wright, Collins
* McCartney has now made 43 appearances this season in all competitions. He
has not missed a match since sitting out the 4-3 home defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur on 4 March 2007 - an unbroken run of 52 games.
* McCartney is the only West Ham United player who has featured in every
league and cup game to date, starting in each one.
* In terms of the Premier League, only Green has played every minute of the
37 matches.
* Villa have used just 22 players this season compared to the 29 deployed by
Alan Curbishley in all competitions.
* Wilfred Bouma and Martin Lauresen have both started every Premier League
game for Villa this season, although have not played every minute.
* Ashton, with ten goals, nine in the league, is the club's leading scorer.
John Carew with 13 goals, all in the top flight, is the visitors' leading
marksman.
* A Dean Ashton hat-trick would move him level with Jermain Defoe and Wayne
Rooney (both on 12 goals) as the league's leading English marksmen. Gabriel
Agbonlahor and Steven Gerrard have scored eleven and Frank Lampard ten. Two
of Defoe's goals have been penalties.
* Carlton Cole spent the 2004/05 campaign on loan from Chelsea at Villa
Park, making 18 starts and nine substitute appearances in the league,
scoring three goals.
* Villa have two former West Ham United players. Nigel Reo-Coker played 142
times for the club - including eleven goals in 120 league appearances
between January 2004 and last summer's switch to Villa Park. Marlon Harewood
also made the same move back in July, after 56 goals in 170 league and cup
appearances from his debut in November 2003.
* Hayden Mullins could make his 100th appearance in the Premier League.
Bobby Zamora is also one game away from his century of starts for West Ham
United.
* Olof Mellberg will be making his final appearance for Villa before a
summer switch to Juventus.
Last six meetings (all league)
6 October 2007 - Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
3 February 2007 - Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
10 September 2006 - West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa
14 January 2006 - Aston Villa 1-2 West Ham United
12 September 2005 - West Ham United 4-0 Aston Villa
12 April 2003 - West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa
All-time record v Aston Villa (all competitions) - W36 D27 L33
Weekend fixtures (all kick-offs 3pm)
Sunday 11 May
Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea v Bolton Wanderers
Derby County v Reading
Everton v Newcastle United
Middlesbrough v Manchester City
Portsmouth v Fulham
Sunderland v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Wigan Athletic v Manchester United
General information
Tickets: This match is SOLD OUT. For general ticket information, click here.
Please note the ticket office will be closed on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13
May. For details of getting to the Boleyn Ground, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a sunny afternoon. The temperature is set to
peak around the 24C mark.
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Fan notice for Sunday - SSN
The West Ham United squad will take to the pitch after the final whistle on
Sunday to acknowledge fans
09.05.2008
West Ham United will mark this Sunday's final home game of the season
against Aston Villa with the traditional post-match lap of honour by the
players.
Although the team will head down the tunnel after the final whistle, the
entire squad will then be led back out by captain Lucas Neill and manager
Alan Curbishley to parade around the pitch and offer their thanks to fans
for the support this season. Sunday's game will also see the 2007/08 Hammer
of the Year unveiled before kick-off as well as the presentation of other
player awards.
In the interest of public safety, and in line with Boleyn Ground
regulations, supporters are reminded to stay in their seats at all times on
Sunday afternoon. There are a number of charity days taking place at the
stadium this summer - including Robert Green's Boleyn Cup and the Bobby
Moore Fund Championship, and anyone running on to the pitch could jeopardise
those events.
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West Ham v Aston Villa - BBC
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sun, 11 May Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live & highlights on Match of the
Day
Defender Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) will return to training on Saturday but
is unlikely to feature on Sunday. Matthew Upson (calf) is likely to miss out
so captain Lucas Neill could continue to partner England Under-19
international James Tomkins in defence.
Olof Mellberg will make his final appearance for Aston Villa before joining
Juventus on a three-year deal. Manager Martin O'Neill has no new injury
worries, with Craig Gardner (thigh) a long-term absentee.
West Ham (from): Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert, Parker,
Noble, Boa Morte, Zamora, Ashton, Walker, Mullins, Cole, Solano, Sears,
Collison.
Aston Villa (from): Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma,
Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Osbourne, Salifou, Maloney, Routledge,
Carew, Agonlahor, Harewood.
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill: "It's intriguing in that we can still
qualify automatically for Europe by finishing fifth, which would be
phenomenal, or we could drop out altogether. "It would have been fantastic
to go into this game knowing almost everything was in our hands but it's not
like that. "If we win the game the worst we can do is finish sixth - that's
Europe (through the Intertoto Cup), and that's a terrific achievement."
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "I know their fans see themselves as a
top-six club and that's where they find themselves at the moment,"
Curbishley said ahead of the teams' meeting. "If it goes for them on Sunday,
they may find themselves in Europe again. "As Kevin Keegan has said it's
very difficult to break into the top four but it doesn't stop you trying and
I think they've had a terrific season."
Make your Premier League predictions
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Victory over Aston Villa will guarantee West Ham a sixth top 10 placing in
nine years, and a seventh top-half finish from their 13 seasons in this
league. They would still end in 10th spot regardless of this result, if
Tottenham failed to beat Liverpool at White Hart Lane.
Aston Villa are still harbouring hopes of pipping Everton to fifth spot and
Uefa Cup qualification next season. Victory at Upton Park, coupled with
defeat for the Toffees, home to Newcastle, would see the Villans and the
Merseysiders swapping places.
Villa have not won in 23 Premier League visits to London, since a 1-2
triumph over Charlton at the Valley on 27 March 2004.
Six of West Ham's last seven home meetings with Aston Villa were drawn.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable: 10th (Merit payment: £7.92 million)
Lowest could fall: 11th (£7.2m)
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Won one of the last seven (2-1, home to Derby on 19 April), and won two
of 11.
2. Victory would give them a total of 51 points; 10 more than were accrued
last season.
3. Completed 27 matches without a goalless draw; since the visit to
Portsmouth on 27 October.
4. Only two of their 40 goals have come direct from outside the penalty
area.
5. Three goals short of conceding 700 all-time in the Premier League.
6. Aston Villa is the only Midlands' club they have lost to since their
return to this league in 2005.
7. Lost the final fixture of the season just once in their last eight
campaigns in this league; 2-1, away to Middlesbrough on 19 May 2001.
ASTON VILLA
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable: 5th (Merit payment: £11.52 million)
Lowest could fall: 8th (£9.36 m)
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Pursuing their highest finish since sixth in 2003-04, and fifth in
1996-97.
2. Maximum points would give them a total of 62, and would be their second
best in a 38-game Premier League. They massed 63 points in 1995-96, when
finishing fourth.
3. Completed 35 matches since a goalless draw; that being, away to Newcastle
on 18 August.
4. This is their highest scoring top-flight season since 72 goals were
netted from 42 matches in 1980-81.
5. Failed to score in four of the last eight, but netted a total of 17 goals
in other four games.
6. Scored more headed goals than any other club (17), and a league high 38
from set pieces (corners, free kicks and penalties). Also no club has been
awarded more penalties (seven - six converted), and they've gained from the
highest number of own goals (five).
7. Yet to win in London this season; drawn three and lost one of their four
previous visits to the capital.
8. The 0-6 victory at Derby on 12 April is their only win in five on the
road.
9. Won their last-day fixture only once in the last five seasons; 2-1, home
to Sunderland on 7 May 2006.
10. Hoping to add West Ham to Reading, Derby and Birmingham as clubs they've
done the double over this season.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with 10 goals.
ASHTON is also the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen with nine.
The club's Premier League goal-scorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (10 of 14).
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.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a double to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle, Aston
Villa and West Ham).
Fredrik LJUNGBERG is two shy of 50 Premier League goals (Arsenal and West
Ham).
If selected:-
Hayden MULLINS will be making his 100th career Premier League appearance -
all for West Ham.
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Henri CAMARA will be playing the day after turning 31.
Nol SOLANO will be facing a former club. The 33 year old Peru international
made 52 appearances (49 in the league) and scored nine goals (eight league)
for Aston Villa between January 2004 and his £1.5m move back to Newcastle in
August 2005.
Carlton COLE will be facing familiar faces. COLE spent the 2004-05 season on
loan at Villa Park, when on Chelsea's books.
If on the field from the outset:-
Bobby ZAMORA will be making his 100th start in a West Ham shirt.
ASTON VILLA
John CAREW is Aston Villa's top scorer with 13 Premier League goals.
CAREW needs one goal to make this his most prolific in league football. The
28 year old Norway international striker has equalled his 13 goal tally for
Besiktas in 2004-05.
Gabriel AGBONLAHOR has scored four in five.
Wilfred BOUMA and Martin LAURSEN have started every one of Villa's Premier
League games this season.
If selected:-
Ashley YOUNG will be making 50th Premier League appearance for Villa.
Marlon HAREWOOD will be playing against his former club. The 28 year old
forward made 170 appearances (142 in the league) and scored 56 goals (47
league) for West Ham between November 2003 and his move to Villa Park last
July.
Nigel REO-COKER will also be facing former colleagues. The 23 year old
midfielder made 142 appearances (120 in the league) and scored 11 league
goals for the Hammers between January 2004 and his £8.5m move to Aston Villa
last summer.
HEAD TO HEAD
Aston Villa are hoping to wrap-up a hat-trick of victories over West Ham,
after two 1-0 home wins against them.
But the Midlanders have not won at Upton Park since prevailing 0-2 on 4
December 1996, with goals from Ugo Ehiogu and Dwight Yorke.
Villa would record their first Premier League double over West Ham with
victory. They last achieved home and away victories over the Hammers in a
single league season in 1983-84 (top-flight).
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 31 wins, Villa 29, Draws 25
Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Villa 8, Draws 12
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 20 wins, Villa 6, Draws 16
Prem: West Ham 3 wins, Villa 2, Draws 7
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa
10 September 2006 - Ref: Steve Bennett
West Ham scorer: Zamora 52
Villa scorer: Ridgewell 4
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
6 October 2007 - Ref: Steve Tanner
Villa scorer: Gardner 24
REFEREE
Mike Dean (Wirral)
Premier League referees' table
Mike Dean's 2007-08 Premier League card count
Mike Dean has sent off more players in Premier League matches than any other
referee this season (nine).
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West Ham Utd v Aston Villa - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 9th May 2008
By: Matthew Coker
As the season draws to a close, we tie up matters with a claret and blue
clash involving the Brummie outfit, Aston Villa. As per Premier League
tradition, all games kick off at the same time so it is a three o'clock
start at the Boleyn for the mighty Irons.
Instead of my usual style of looking at the opposition, I am going to turn
my attentions closer to home and use this preview as a chance to reflect on
West Ham's season and to try to work out where we are going as a club.
Safety First
In many respects, this has been the season that needed to happen but it
appears that our fan base has enjoyed it the least. The last five campaigns
have seen us involved in successful and unsuccessful relegation battles,
successful and unsuccessful promotion pushes and the last mid table finish
saw us complete the season in Cardiff for a cup final.
This season, rather than go to the wire, has all but closed down around the
end of January, where the home victory over Liverpool was not followed on as
we went through a dip that saw us fail to see off poor opposition and saw a
0-4 scoreline become a worryingly trend. Despite the protests of the players
and management, it has seemed like treading water since then and we have
remained in 10th spot without getting any closer to Man Ciddy or any further
away from Sp*rs for what seems like an eon.
The lack of progress has undoubtedly been hampered by the numerous injuries
sustained and to key players in vital positions. Despite the club seemingly
having more centre backs than a supermodel has thrown up hot dinners, we
have amazingly had to play Jonathon Spector, Lucas Neill and of course, an
academy rookie in the middle of defence this campaign. It was no
co-incidence that the run of our best results, certainly in terms of goals
against came when Anton and Upson were able to get a decent number of games
alongside each other.
We have also suffered injuries to many of our creative players, no-one could
deny that we would be a much more threatening proposition with the likes of
Craig Bellamy (our best player for many of the few games he featured in,
Reading in particular), Kieron Dyer, Matty Etherington and the return of
(the real) Dean Ashton, Faubert and Zamora have seen us have more zip and
purpose about our game in the last couple of weeks.
I understand that none of those observations are particularly revolutionary
and our manager mentions the bare bones problems that we have at any given
opportunity, but it is impossible to take any view of our season without a
look the dreaded injury list.
A style reviled
The fashion this season has been to moan about the side's style or more
specifically, our lack of it. The feeling is that we have gone too defensive
and the strategy of playing a lone striker was derided by all, prompting
three pronged attack chants and cries for Paolo Di Canio. There was also the
occasional claim of long ball but I honestly don't believe we resorted to
that very often.
This cautious approach was put down the nature of our manager and whilst the
team may bear similarities to his old Charlton side, it also bears lots of
similarities to most of the sides that finished above us in the league
table. Outside of the top four, most teams set out to avoid defeat by
packing the midfield and waiting for the other side to make a mistake.
We have seen the likes of Portsmouth and Manchester City play like that
against us in the league and even Ferguson's United with his array of
attacking talent has gone with a 4-5-1 in Europe, particularly against
quality opposition (see Roma and Barcelona as examples). Greece in the Euro
2004 and Glasgow Rangers route to the UEFA final this season have also been
built on those tenets and it is unrealistic for us supporters to expect to
see moralistic good football make any inroads into the current Premier
League where the game of catenaccio (and mouse) is the norm.
However, West Ham do seem to suffer a touch of the Pete Dougherty's, as
possession is a problem. Our shortcoming seems to be when we are up against
poor opponents, when we should be able to dominate both in respect of time
on the ball and territorially and this needs to be worked on. The midfield
is crying out for a playmaker and the emphasis on the training ground needs
to switch from defensive stability to creative flair, though as per every
criticism that is levelled at the class of 2007/08, we will improve when the
squad gets fit.
Hammer of the Year
The KUMB awards and the club's Hammer of the Year award seem as good excuse
to get down to the brass tacks of player assessment. The fact that it needs
to be a contribution towards a whole season makes the competition a little
more straightforward as if it was the best performing Hammer in the five
minutes / five games / quarter of the season that they actually made it onto
the pitch, the whole thing would require a little thought.
Of the whole squad, only four players have started more than 30 games this
season, Lucas Neill, Hayden Mullins and the two constant starters, Robert
Green and George McCartney and in the absence of anyone having anywhere near
the impact that Carlos Tevez had last year in a limited number of games, I
think the award needs to go to one of that group.
It is easy to discount Neill as he has had a relatively poor campaign, often
looking off the pace and falling short of last season's standards. Mullins
is also out of the running as he simply doesn't contribute enough for me to
warrant consideration and has only featured so often because of Parker and
Noble's injuries.
I think that both Green and McCartney have had decent seasons, but the fact
that George is even a candidate for player of the season captures perfectly
the zeitgeist of the year gone by.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to have George in our line up and admire
his professionalism as a defensive player, his work rate up and down the
line, his ability to throw the ball and his goal against Sunderland was a
peach. However, that many of us have gone for a quiet, unassuming,
professional as Hammer of the Year speaks volumes about what this season has
been about and there is a certain irony in a bunch of supporters baying for
more excitement and then plumping for the most solid player in the team when
the vote needs to be cast.
Other Hammers have had good seasons, Matthew Upson being the obvious one
(who may just make 30 starts on Sunday), Ashton and Ferdinand have been our
best players on the park on many occasions (though have arguably been our
worst now and again as well) and the likes of Solano and Ljungberg have made
contributions.
The youngsters have shown much more promise in the last few weeks, the buzz
around Sears coming on against Blackburn was one of the few highlights of
the campaign and although Tomkins has had a hard time having been thrown in
at the deep end, I think the experience has served him well to go on to be a
big success in the future.
I'm going to plump for Nobes as my young player of the year as he has had
more games than the other two candidates and nothing Sears or Tomkins did
can match his contribution in the win against Liverpool. I'm going to go for
Roberto Verdi as my player of the season, simply by virtue of him having
been responsible for more points that George and for his penalty saving
endeavours and I believe that he is the one player that we could not afford
to lose at the moment.
Summer Schedule
Having a quick scratch of my crystal balls, I can see that slow and steady
progress will remain a theme, with Curbs as recently as last week citing a
top 8 finish for next season. We are all expecting to see some trimming of
the squad and cutting of the wage bill, though I think it is unrealistic to
think that we can simply get rid of the players that we do not use as they
are unlikely to be the ones that anyone wants, or wants to pay money for.
With the Ashton to United and Anton to Sp*rs rumours starting up already, it
is likely to be the usual summer of speculation, though I am sure we will
lose at least one first teamer.
It will be interesting to see how West Ham looks as a Nani state, no doubt
our new technical director will want to do a little business to introduce
himself and hopefully the fans request for a new Paolo will be met (failing
that, I'd settle for a Baggio)
Otherwise, all that we fans can do is to work on our tans, catch up with our
loved ones (and in my case the DIY I've been putting off since August), have
a peek at Euro 2008 and of course, renew those season tickets. As I head out
of the revolving doors here at KUMB towers for my summer break, I'll have us
down for a 2-1 win on Sunday, Villa giving up at half time as we learn that
Everton are comfortably beating Newcastle.
Enjoy the game.
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West Ham v Aston Villa preview - SSN
Villa still harbour fifth place hopes
Last updated: 9th May 2008
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com's prediction: 0-2
SKY BET odds: West Ham 9/4, Draw 9/4, Aston Villa 5/4
One to Watch: Ashley Young
Aston Villa travel to West Ham hoping to capitalise on any slip-up from
Everton to finish in fifth spot. Everton are favourites to finish fifth as
they require only a point from their clash with Newcastle after Villa's
defeat to Wigan last weekend. Olof Mellberg will make his farewell
appearance for Villa as he prepares to join Juventus next season. Craig
Gardner is still missing with a thigh problem, otherwise Villa boss Martin
O'Neill has no other injury worries to contend with. Scott Carson plays the
final game of his loan spell from Liverpool with the keeper's future still
undecided. Patrik Berger will not be given the chance of a farewell
appearance after he was shown the exit door at Villa Park for advising
Gareth Barry to make the move to Liverpool.
West Ham will be looking to end the season on a high after a poor run of
form in the last few months. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has seen his
future become the subject of conjecture and he will be determined to silence
the critics at Upton Park with a good show against Villa. Matthew Upson and
Anton Ferdinand could return from injury against Villa on Sunday. The
defensive duo have missed the club's last three games through injury, but
both are back in training and could return to the starting XI. Dean Ashton
is doubtful for West Ham after he was forced to limp off with a hamstring
injury during last weekend's defeat at Manchester United, with Carlton Cole
standing by to step-in should he fail to recover in time. Craig Bellamy,
Kieron Dyer and Freddie Ljungberg all remain sidelined for the Hammers.
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Ljungberg rumours rejected - SSN
Swede remains committed to West Ham
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 9th May 2008
Freddie Ljungberg's agent has rejected reports suggesting West Ham were
planning to pay-off the player to let him to leave the club. Reports earlier
this week claimed West Ham were ready to cut their losses on Ljungberg by
paying him up the remainder of his three-year contract as they look to trim
their wage bill. Ljungberg, who joined West Ham from Arsenal last summer,
has seen his progress at the club hampered by a series of injuries this
season.
The 31-year-old, who is currently recovering from a broken rib injury, has
made 25 league appearances for West Ham this season - scoring two goals.
Ljunberg's agent Claes Elefalk has rejected the rumours and says he is
committed to West Ham. "This story is complete nonsense, there is no truth
in it," Elefalk told skysports.com. "Freddie is not thinking of leaving West
Ham. "Scott Duxbury [West Ham chief executive] called myself yesterday and
said he was sorry such nonsense appeared in the paper. "Contrary to what has
been said Freddie is enjoying his football as much as he has ever done. "He
feels at home at Upton Park, with the team and with the fans. "Freddie is
already thinking of next season and helping to bring West Ham to Europe."
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West Ham v ASTON VILLA: Mellberg set for farewell appearance - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:16pm on 9th May 2008
Defender Olof Mellberg will make his final appearance for Aston Villa in
Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham at Upton Park. The Swedish
international is joining Juventus on a three-year contract after spending
the last seven seasons with Villa. Villa manager Martin O'Neill has no fresh
injury problems as his side try to make sure of a European spot - via either
the UEFA Cup or the Intertoto Cup depending on results in other games
involving Everton and Blackburn. But midfielder Craig Gardner has not
recovered from the thigh injury suffered when on England Under-21 duty five
weeks ago.
Provisional squad: Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Petrov,
Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Osbourne, Salifou, Maloney, Routledge, Carew,
Agonlahor, Harewood.
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WEST HAM v Aston Villa: Ferdinand and Upson out for Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:16pm on 9th May 2008
Defender Anton Ferdinand is doubtful for West Ham's Premier League clash
with Aston Villa despite returning to training following a hamstring injury.
Matthew Upson is in a similar position after suffering a calf problem and
manager Alan Curbishley does not expect him to be fit. If both centre-halves
do miss out, club captain Lucas Neill could continue in the middle alongside
England Under-19 international James Tomkins.
Provisional squad: Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert,
Parker, Noble, Boa Morte, Zamora, Ashton, Walker, Mullins, Cole, Solano,
Sears, Collison.
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West Ham striker Bellamy 'looking better' as he gets green light to train
with Cardiff - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:05pm on 9th May 2008
FA Cup finalists Cardiff will have an addition to their squad as they build
up to Wembley next week - West Ham striker Craig Bellamy. Bellamy is back in
full training and has been given permission by West Ham manager Alan
Curbishley to continue his rehabilitation with Cardiff next week, as they
prepare to meet Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final. Curbishley said: "Craig is
looking better but Sunday's final match against Villa has come too early."
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Hammers in talks for Diego - Setanat
by Adam Marshall, 09 May 2008
Gil Vicente president Antonio Fiuza claims the club are negotiating with
West Ham for the transfer of Diego Gaucho. The centre back has emerged as a
target for Alan Curbishley as he plots a summer reshaping plan for his
Hammers squad. Portuguese sources claim the move could initially be on loan
from August with a view to a permanent deal for the Brazil-born stopper, who
is hoping to complete the process of becoming a European citizen. "I
recognise that we are in negotiations," Fiuza told A Bola when quizzed on
West Ham's interest. "But we will seek the best for the club and for the
player." The 26-year-old will be hoping to secure a move to Upton Park once
the Premier League season draws to a close.
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I won't let the boo-boys win - Nigel Reo Coker - BirminghamMail.net
May 9 2008 By Bill Howell
NIGEL REO-Coker has revealed he has received letters of goodwill from some
West Ham supporters on the eve of his return to Upton Park. The Villa
midfielder is set for a hot reception after leaving the Hammers last summer
after handing in a transfer request. Reo-Coker was singled out by fans as a
main culprit for a slump in form which left West Ham close to relegation and
ultimately led to the sacking of manager Alan Pardew just a year after
playing in the FA Cup Final and two years after promotion. "All ex-West Ham
players get stick - Paul Ince, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Yossi Bennayoun got
it - so will I," said Reo-Coker. "Everyone is going to get it because for
West Ham fans, it's an in-built thing, it's a family thing, and the club is
the biggest around in their eyes. "You can't blame them, that's just how
they are."
Reo-Coker admits the majority of fans will want to boo but he is determined
they will not win. He added: "I know I'm not going to get the best reception
but I'm mentally ready for it. "Since I've left, I've had a lot of letters
saying how much they appreciated what I did and thanking me for my effort I
put into the club. "That's great and those are the memories I will be taking
onto the field on Sunday. I'm not going to let the majority win."
Reo-Coker admits he will have "mixed emotions" about his return. "I can't
put it into words how I'll feel," he said. "I had some glorious nights at
Upton Park playing some big games. "It was a great time and I have some
great memories of my time there. "I'll be seeing a lot of old friends but
it's all about winning at the weekend and trying to finish fifth."
Reo-Coker admits he will have to be smart to avoid one or two meaty
challenges from former team-mates that are likely to come his way. "I played
them earlier in the season and my resolve didn't crack then. I had to be
professional," he said. "I'm not going to give anyone any opportunity to
bring me down. So I have to be very smart and cautious about what I do."
Reo-Coker is well aware of the debt he owes the Hammers for igniting his
career after his move from Wimbledon in January 2004. "Moving to West Ham
was a great thing for my career, it was a platform," he said. "It's the same
sort of situation as coming here. This is a big club. It was a footballing
move and nothing personal."
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West Ham players to "show appreciation" to fans - Echo
By Rob Pritchard
WEST Ham's players will thank the club's fans for their support following
Sunday's final Premier League fixture of the season at Upton Park. Manager
Alan Curbishley confirmed that the first team squad would show their
appreciation to the supporters after the final whistle in this weekend's
game against Aston Villa. However the boss was quick to point out that, with
the club likely to secure a comfortable 10th-place finish, the event was not
a "lap of honour".
"I don't think it's a lap of honour. It's just normal at the end of the
season that we show our appreciation to the fans for their support," he
said. "Obviously we've had some criticism but their support has been
fantastic - the numbers, we sell out wherever we go away from home - so I
think that it's only right that we show our appreciation."
Curbishley has incurred the ire of the club's fans on occasions this season
- most recently when the Hammers were booed off following their narrow 2-1
win over relegated Derby County last month. And the manager has called for a
show of unity on Sunday, when he hopes his players end the season on a high
by finishing above rivals Tottenham in the table. "We've had our ups and
downs over the last couple of weeks but that's got to be forgotten," he
added. "The main thing is that we're all in this together and let's get a
result and send everyone home a bit happier, look forward to the break and
recharge everyone's batteries.
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Curbishley praises former skipper Reo-Coker - Echo
By Rob Pritchard
ALAN Curbishley has praised former West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker ahead of
Sunday's Premier League showdown with Aston Villa. Reo-Coker left Upton Park
for Villa Park under a cloud last summer after claiming the club's fans
blamed him for the Irons slump in form and the sacking of manager Alan
Pardew. Before leaving in a £7.5million deal, however, the England Under-21
international helped the Hammers stave off relegation on the final day of
last season. And Curbishley was quick to recognise the midfielder's
achievements ahead of his first game back at the Boleyn Ground - an event
expected to be marked with dissatisfaction by many home fans. "All I know is
that I walked into something last Christmas (2006) and there was a lot of
feeling around the club," said Curbishley. "We were third-from-bottom and
there was a lot of flak flying around and he was getting singled out for
some of it. "We had a chat about it, like I have with some of the players
now, and told him the only way he could deal with it was to get on with it.
"Obviously he wasn't happy about it but I told him to get through to the end
of the season because the club is more important than anything else."
The Irons boss even compared the influence of Reo-Coker, 24 next Wednesday,
to that of goalkeeper Robert Green, Mark Noble and Carlos Tevez, who
supporters recognise as the major reasons for the club's survival. "I
thought in the second half of the season, from the Manchester United game
where he got the winner, his performances in the run-in were up there with
the contributions the others made," the manager added. "Greeny had a
fantastic run-in, Ferdinand and Collins did fantastically well, as did
Noble, Bobby Zamora and Tevez and he was part of that. "I think he got back
to where he should have been. I was delighted with his performances."
However, some supporters were not so impressed and they are expected to show
that by giving Reo-Coker a less than friendly reception on Sunday.
"I think that's part and parcel of football now," Curbishley observed. "Some
clubs react differently when old players go back. I'm sure him and Marlon
Harewood will just get on with it. "There was always going to be some
changes in the summer and my only disappointment is the ones that we brought
in have not played."
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Bellamy to spend week with FA Cup finalists - Echo
By Rob Pritchard
WEST Ham forward Craig Bellamy will spent next week training with FA Cup
finalists Cardiff City. The Wales captain, who arrived at Upton Park from
Liverpool for £7.5million last summer, has been restricted to just eight
appearances by a series of abdominal and groin injuries. But Bellamy, who
has not played since the 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on February 2, is
finally back in full training. And Irons manager Alan Curbishley said the
28-year-old would spend the week with the Championship side in a bid to
regain full fitness ahead of pre-season training. "Craig Bellamy is in full
training and has been doing everything. We're going to hopefully continue
that," said Curbishley. "Obviously we finish at the weekend but kindly
(Cardiff manager) Dave Jones has allowed Craig to train with them for a week
as they prepare for the cup game. "So, he can get another week's football in
and we can see where we are after that."
While Bellamy is finally approaching a first team comeback, Curbishley
admitted he was unsure when a number of other important players would be
back in action. "It's a bit difficult because the return dates on some of
them because the return dates on some of them are not set," he added.
"Julien Faubert could probably, at a push, be fit for Sunday but it's the
last game and I'd prefer to have a clean bill of health with him. "Kieron
Dyer was running fully and doing really well and he had a little irritation,
but he's had that sorted out and we're very confident he'll be okay.
"Ferdinand's back in training, Upson isn't far away and nor is Spector. "So
I know a lot of that squad will be available in the summer and I'm waiting
for that to happen before I decide where we need to go. "I've got
four-or-five players who I've not seen too much of so I couldn't tell you
what my best team is until I get them all fit. "We're all hoping for better
things next year. We invested heavily in the summer and a lot of those
players haven't been around so it'll be nice when there are."
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Solano leads trio set to leave West Ham - Echo
By Rob Pritchard
WEST Ham midfielder Nobby Solano will almost certainly leave the club this
summer. The Peru international joined the Irons from Newcastle United on
transfer deadline day last August, scoring three times in 20 appearances.
However, the 33-year-old's contract is up at the end of the season, and the
Hammers are unlikely to offer the South American a new one. Manager Alan
Curbishley confirmed that Solano's future, as well as that of Canvey
youngster Tony Stokes, will be discussed at a board meeting on Monday.
"We've only got a couple of contracts up this summer," he said. "Young Tony
Stokes, Nobby Solano, who came in on deadline day, and on-loan Henri Camara,
who will go back to Wigan."
Curbishley added that the board meeting, which will be attended by chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, chief executive Scott Duxbury and the Irons four
other directors, will also be used to discuss everything from the future of
the club's training facilities to the summer transfer budget. "Everyone is
over for the Aston Villa game, so I've got a board meeting on Monday morning
and things will be thrashed around then," said the former Charlton chief,
who received a vote of confidence in March. "We'll discuss the training
ground and everything connected with the club. "Sorting out a transfer
budget depends on getting return dates for some of the injured players. "We
may, as some will keep going through the summer, react as we go along."
Gudmundsson has reportedly instructed Curbishley to trim his 34-man first
team squad this summer, with Danny Gabbidon and Nigel Quashie favourites to
leave, while Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Neill and Luis Boa Morte could also be
on their way. And the Hammers boss confirmed that he would be looking to
work with what already has - particularly in the forward positions - before
diving into the transfer market. "To miss Craig Bellamy for basically a
whole season, and the flashes of what he's shown us, means I just want to
get him and Ashton and have the competition with Bobby Zamora, Carlton Cole
and Freddie Sears," he said.
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Ljungberg agent denies Hammers exit offer - Guardian Series
FREDDIE Ljungberg's agent has rubbished claims that West Ham are set to
offer the player a £3 million pay-off to leave the club. Claes Elefalk
denied reports which surfaced earlier this week, that suggested that the
Irons are eager to pay up the remaining three years of the Swedish star's
£75,000 a week contract to get him off the books. But Elefalk told
skysports.com: "This story is complete nonsense, there is no truth in it.
"Freddie is not thinking of leaving West Ham. "Scott Duxbury Hammers chief
executive called myself yesterday and said he was sorry such nonsense
appeared in the paper." Ljungberg has struggled to make an impact at Upton
Park following his £3 million move from Arsenal last summer. A series of
injuries - the latest a broken rib suffered in the 2-2 with Newcastle a
fortnight ago and has ruled him out of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa - has
restricted the player to 25 league appearances this season. He has scored
just two goals. But Elefalk insisted the 31-year-old (pictured) is happy to
stay at West Ham and is looking forward to assisting the east Londoners on a
European charge next season. "Contrary to what has been said Freddie is
enjoying his football as much as he has ever done," said Elefalk. "He feels
at home at Upton Park, with the team and with the fans. "Freddie is already
thinking of next season and helping to bring West Ham to Europe."
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West Ham clinch loan deal for Gil Vicente defender Diego
tribalfooball.com - May 09, 2008
West Ham United have clinched an agreement for Gil Vicente defender Diego
Gaucho. The 26 year-old Brazilian will join the Hammers on-loan next season
with the view to a permanent deal.
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