All the team news and background for Saturday afternoon's league visit of
Alex McLeish's men
08.02.2008
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 9 February
3pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Team news
Tenth-placed West Ham United will look to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat at
Wigan Athletic last Saturday with a fourth home league win in a row. The
club have dispatched Manchester United (2-1), Fulham (2-1) and Liverpool
(1-0) and have not lost at the Boleyn Ground since 15 December. Victory
could potentially move the club up to eighth place and in sight of sixth,
but Alan Curbishley will know Birmingham City, who have fallen to 18th after
Saturday's 1-1 home draw against Derby County, will look to follow Wigan's
lead in the fight for top-flight survival.
Alan Curbishley will assess Julien Faubert after he played the full 90
minutes on Monday in a friendly match against QPR. The French winger had
missed the previous two games with a slight calf strain and the manager
could wait to give him a reserve-team run-out on Tuesday. Nolberto Solano, a
substitute at Wigan, also got another 45 minutes under his belt following
hamstring trouble. Bobby Zamora (knee) and Craig Bellamy (stomach) both got
an hour or so on Monday.
Scott Parker (knee) is due back in three weeks while Kieron Dyer continues
to make good progress from his double leg-break. Henri Camara is back from
the African Cup of Nations - although John Pantsil is still on international
duty with Ghana. James Collins' cruciate ligament damage will keep him out
for at least six months, with Nigel Quashie (foot) and Calum Davenport
(neck) also sidelined. The club's talented youngsters performed well in
midweek, notably James Tomkins and Freddie Sears with England U19s, Mark
Noble with England Under-21s and Jack Collison with Wales U21, the latter
also scoring.
Birmingham, who had Fabrice Muamba and Cameron Jerome alongside Noble for
the Young Lions on Wednesday, were busy in the transfer window, notably
bringing in Everton striker James McFadden, Hibernian defender David Murphy
and Argentinian prodigy Mauro Zarate up front. The club also have Radhi
Jaidi and Mehdi Nafti back from the Africa Cup of Nations after Tunisia's
exit. Birmingham only have one player injured - long-term knee victim Borja
Oubina although Olivier Kapo is suspended after accumulating five cautions.
Gary McSheffrey or Daniel De Ridder will deputise on the left.
Last time out
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney,
Ljungberg, Noble (Bowyer 73), Mullins, Etherington (Solano 48), Cole
(Bellamy 68), Ashton
Subs not used: Wright, Spector
Birmingham City v Derby County: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Martin Taylor,
Ridgewell, Murphy, Larsson (Zarate 76), Johnson, Muamba, Kapo, O'Connor,
McFadden
Subs not used: Doyle, Forssell, Jerome, Parnaby
Background
Curbishley's side are in fine league form, with seven wins and five draws
from the last 16 fixtures. Victory could take the Hammers up to eighth -
depending on Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, who begin the weekend three
and two points ahead respectively. The club are seven points ahead of
Tottenham Hotspur in eleventh, with a game in hand on every other club in
the division bar Liverpool.
The teams' last met on 18 August at the St Andrews, the first away fixture
of the season. After a close-fought encounter, Mark Noble struck the only
goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after Colin Doyle
had upended Bellamy.
The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Spector (Gabbidon 86), Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney,
Dyer, Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Zamora, Bellamy
Subs not used: Walker, Bowyer, Boa Morte, Ashton
Birmingham City: Doyle, Parnaby, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Kelly, Larsson, Muamba
(Sadler 80), Nafti (Jerome 75), Kapo, O'Connor, Forssell (McSheffrey 65)
Subs not used: Maik Taylor, Vine
The Hammers have still not lost in all eleven league games this season when
they have taken the lead. George McCartney - who like Lucas Neill, Mark
Noble and Luis Boa Morte is on four cautions and would earn a one-match ban
if yellow-carded again before the trip to Fulham on 23 February - is bidding
to make his 31th appearance this season in all competitions. He is the only
West Ham United player who has featured in every game to date, starting in
each one.
In terms of the Premier League, only Green and Upson have played every
minute of the 24 matches. No other top-flight club still has two league
ever-presents while Upson, along with Stephen Kelly of Birmingham, is one of
only two outfield players in the whole division to have achieved that feat.
Ashton, with six goals, five in the league, is the club's leading scorer.
Birmingham have not won since a 3-0 home win against Middlesbrough on 26
December - a run of seven games without victory, including the 2-1 loss at
Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round. However, they did earn a 1-1
draw at Arsenal on 12 January and only lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea a week
later. Their last away victory was the 3-2 success at Tottenham Hotspur on 2
December - Alex McLeish's first game in charge.
Kapo and Jerome are the club's leading scorers with five goals apiece, all
of which have come in the top flight. The midlands club may have lost their
last three games against the Hammers but they have the better overall head
to head record.
Head to head (last six meetings, all league)
18 August 2007 - Birmingham City 0-1 West Ham United
13 February 2006 - West Ham United 3-0 Birmingham City
5 December 2005 - Birmingham City 1-2 West Ham United
11 May 2003 - Birmingham City 2-2 West Ham United
5 October 2002 - West Ham United 1-2 Birmingham City
30 November 1999 - Birmingham City 2-3 West Ham United
Overall record v Birmingham City (all competitions): W 30, D 18, L 37
Barclays Premier League fixtures (all 3pm unless stated)
Saturday 9 February
Aston Villa v Newcastle (12.45pm)
Bolton Wanderers v Portsmouth
Derby County v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Reading
Middlesbrough v Fulham
Sunderland v Wigan
Sunday 10 February
Chelsea v Liverpool (4pm)
Manchester United v Manchester City (1.30pm)
General information
Please note this match is SOLD OUT. For ticket information, click here. For
details of getting to the Boleyn Ground, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a sunny afternoon with the temperature is set
to peak at around 11C.
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Upson reveals all on WHUTV - WHUFC
England defender Matthew Upson has sat down to relive a memorable week and
his hopes for Saturday
08.02.2008
Matthew Upson has spoken to WHUTV at length about his "fantastic
opportunity" with England and his desire to keep making progress with West
Ham United.
The central defender is back with the club on a high and preparing for the
visit of former side Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon. He will hope
this weekend to build on the positive experience of playing 90 minutes for
his country against Switzerland on Wednesday in Fabio Capello's first match
in charge of the national team.
"It has been a brilliant week," he said, when sitting back to review the
past few days with WHUTV. "It is something that has happened to me maybe a
bit sooner than I thought was capable of happening. It is a sign of what has
happened in the last six months really. I have got myself fit and I am on a
good run of form."
Of finding out that he was going to win his eighth cap on such a prestigious
evening at the new Wembley, Upson said: "It was a great feeling. We had two
very good days training. The manager had really mixed it up so nobody knew
what the team would be. It was really pleasing when he flipped the paper and
I saw my name on the starting lineup. I was really pleased and ready for the
challenge. I enjoyed every minute of it."
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Captain's Blog - Another win wanted - WHUFC
The skipper updates all the latest news from the camp at Chadwell Heath
ahead of a key home encounter
08.02.2008
Lucas Neill is back with West Ham United after a successful international
break for him with Australia and also for his club-mates. The captain is
fully expecting the side to bounce back from last week's setback with
another strong home display.
Last week's result was bitterly disappointing, and left a bad taste in our
mouths, the goal we conceded was avoidable and the level of football we had
to resort to was very much out of character. Without trying to find excuses,
Wigan's pitch is an embarrassment to the Premier League. People pay good
money to travel to watch entertaining games and instead find themselves
watching professional players slicing the ball out of play with regularity
as a result of the playing surface. It really affected our passing style of
play and on the day we were unable to adjust our game to get the result
which would have seen us climb the table.
As a result this weekend nothing but a win will do, we are three wins from
three at home in the league and we must continue that run. I welcome the
fans, staff and players of Birmingham to Upton Park. They need a win for
different reasons so I am sure it will be a hard-fought and physical
contest.
A lot has happened this week on the international scene, Matty Upson played
a full game and was victorious for England and I am led to believe he had a
solid performance. Johnny Pantsil suffered a narrow loss in the Africa Cup
of Nations semi-final with Ghana, but we wish him well for the third placed
play-off. Mark Noble helped lead the Under-21s to the top of their
qualifying group and congrats to young Jack Collison as well who was an
impressive scorer for the Welsh Under-21s and is showing that he has a
bright future in the game. Finally I finished off a busy week with a 3-0 win
in our first World Cup qualifier against Qatar. It made the 46 hours of
travelling worthwhile.
This week we welcome back Henri Camara from a disappointing Africa Cup of
Nations campaign but it was good to see him back in training. We saw Bobby
Zamora get some more match fitness under his belt and we are hopeful of
having his services by the end of the month. Scotty Parker stepped up his
rehabilitation with some light jogging and, to put the record straight,
Julien Faubert maintains the fact he did not speak to any reporters and
undermine the manager or the team with the quotes that were used in the
press this week.
Lucas Neill
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Home shirts back on Saturday - WHUFC
Get your hands on the popular West Ham United home shirt at the Lakeside and
Stadium stores this weekend
08.02.2008
The West Ham United home shirt is back in stock at the Lakeside and Stadium
stores from this Saturday.
As well as the extra stocks arriving in all sizes, there are plenty of other
reasons to check out what's on offer in the club shops. A 50 per cent off
promotion has been running on all men's, ladies and kids' clothing. Also,
this Saturday there will also be 10 per cent off all non-sales children's
wear and selected accessories - excluding Umbro products.
In addition to the above, a special 'buy one, get one half-price' offer is
running on all hats. Visitors young and old to the Stadium store on Saturday
before the Birmingham City match can also meet two special guests. Club
mascots Herbie and Bubbles will be around to say hello and pose for pictures
with fans between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
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West Ham v Birmingham - BBC
Upton Park
Saturday, 9 February
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy has had an abdominal injury and is a concern
after being "sore" three days after a reserve-team game. Mark Noble may be
rested but Henri Camara, Julien Faubert and Nolberto Solano should be
available.
Birmingham midfielder Olivier Kapo is suspended but the game could see a
recall for Gary McSheffrey. Mehdi Nafti and Rahi Jaidi are back from Africa
Cup of Nations duty but Franck Queudrue (hamstring) is out.
West Ham (from): Green, Wright, Neill, Spector, Upson, Ferdinand, Gabbidon,
McCartney, Faubert, Bowyer, Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Boa
Morte, Ashton, Cole, Camara, Bellamy.
Birmingham (from): Maik Taylor, Doyle, Kelly, Ridgewell, Martin Taylor,
Schmitz, Jaidi, Murphy, Parnaby, Larsson, Muamba, Johnson, Nafti,
McSheffrey, O'Connor, McFadden, Jerome, Forssell.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: "We are all very pleased for Matthew Upson
(after playing for England). "He is a very good player, a very good
professional and very good around the training ground. I don't think he has
done himself any harm for the future. "He has got to stay fit and keep
playing well and wait for the next squad."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Alarm bells are sounding at St Andrews, as Birmingham travel to East London
in their lowest position since the last week of August. Just two victories
in 11 Premier League games under Alex McLeish has seen them slip into the
relegation zone.
West Ham, by comparison have been the model of consistency. They have
remained either side of the half-way line for four months, and in just under
14 months in charge, Alan Curbishley has seen his side win 18 and lose 18 of
their 45 league outings. In Birmingham, he plots tactics against a club he
once played for.
The Hammers have won twice as many league games as Birmingham (10 to five).
This is the first of a trio of Premier League fixtures against London clubs
for Blues, and their record against teams from the capital in this league is
nothing to write home about. They have won one, drawn three and lost nine of
the last 13.
West Ham are looking for a fourth successive Premier League victory over
Birmingham, and a second double over them in as many seasons.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 8th
Lowest could fall: 10th
1. Last Saturday's 1-0 away defeat to Wigan, was only their fourth loss in
16 Premier League matches.
2. Their 23 league games have yielded 51 goals (29 for, 22 against); at 2.13
it's the lowest goals per game average in the highest league.
3. Not lost a league game in which they scored first; won seven and drawn
four of 11.
4. One of five clubs not shown a red card in Premier League competition so
far this season. The others are Birmingham, Bolton, Middlesbrough and
Liverpool.
5. All four penalties awarded against them in the Premier League have been
missed.
6. Challenging for a fourth successive home league win, after victories over
Manchester United, Fulham and Liverpool.
7. Lost one of the last seven home league games; 0-2 to Everton on 15
December.
8. The 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the last match at Upton Park was only
their second clean sheet in home Premier League matches this term.
9. The East End visits the West End after this, with a fixture at Fulham,
before Chelsea come to Upton Park. Then it's to Anfield to play Liverpool,
and White Hart Lane to face Spurs.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 15th
Lowest could fall: 19th
1. Not won in seven in all competitions, and won one of the last 11 - a
sequence that included defeat to League One Huddersfield in the FA Cup.
2. Pressing for a first win in seven league outings.
3. Gained just two victories in 14 Premier League matches, and one in 10;
3-0, home to Middlesbrough on Boxing Day.
4. Lost 50% (six of 12) of their league and cup matches under Alex McLeish;
won two, drawn four and lost five of 11 under him in the Premier League.
5. Lost 14 times in the Premier League; only Reading (15) and Derby (18)
have been beaten more often.
6. Middlesbrough is the only club they have prevented from scoring in 18
league outings. Also, failed to score in 10 league matches; only Derby (14)
have missed the target more often.
7. One win short of 50 all-time in the Premier League, and two points shy of
200 in this league.
8. Without victory in five away league games; drawn one and lost four since
their 2-3 victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on McLeish's debut as
manager on 2 December.
9. Lost nine away league games, and won two. Derby and Spurs are the only
clubs from which they have returned with maximum points.
10. Home to the north London duo Arsenal and Tottenham after this, before a
trip to Portsmouth.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with six goals.
ASHTON is also the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen with five.
The club's Premier League goalscorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (eight of 11).
Matthew UPSON and Robert GREEN are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League
matches this season. The Hammers are the only club to have as many as two
genuine ever-presents remaining in this Premier League campaign.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a hat-trick to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle,
Aston Villa and West Ham).
If selected:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Matthew UPSON will be facing his former club. The 28 year old defender made
128 appearances (113 in the league) and scored five league goals for
Birmingham from January 2003 until his £6m move to Upton Park in January
2007.
If on the field from the outset:-
George McCARTNEY will be making his 50th start for West Ham.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Olivier KAPO and Cameron JEROME are Birmingham's joint top scorers with five
Premier League goals each.
Stephen KELLY has played every minute of every one of Birmingham's Premier
League games this season.
Garry O'CONNOR is a double shy of 50 goals in English and Scottish league
football (Hibernian and Birmingham).
If on the field from the outset:-
Sebastian LARSSON will be making his 50th English League start (Arsenal and
Birmingham).
HEAD TO HEAD
Birmingham have only registered one Premier League maximum over the Hammers;
Stern John scored both their goals in a 1-2 victory at Upton Park on 5
October 2002.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 26 wins, Birmingham 36, Draws 17
Prem: West Ham 3 wins, Birmingham 1, Draws 1
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 16 wins, Birmingham 14, Draws 9
Prem: West Ham 1 win, Birmingham 1, Draws 0
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Birmingham City 0-1 West Ham United
18 August 2007 - Ref: Mark Halsey
West Ham scorer: Noble 70 pen
REFEREE
Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
Premier League referees' table
Mark Clattenburg's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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Neill on round the world trip - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Hammers captain Lucas Neill has defended his decision to travel 24,000 miles
in order to represent Australia this week. The 29-year-old full-back has
been criticised this season for making the round-the-world trips in order to
represent his country in between West Ham's weekend fixtures. This week the
Sydney-born player flew to Melbourne in order to play for the Socceroos
against minnows Qatar - a game which they coasted 3-0 - and is currently on
his way back to London to prepare for Saturday's Premier League clash with
Birmingham.
Neill's early-season form appeared to suffer occasionally as a result of the
long flights - however he has defended his position by stating that
qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals would be a 'massive' achievement
for his country. "We want to make the World Cup," he told
footballaustralia.com. "We want to try and get that journey that we had last
time, where we had some amazing memories and basically turned football on
its head and made it an unbelievable sport [in Australia]."
With regard to the charges that his performances for the Hammers are
affected by the long journeys, Neill says that this is not a concern - and
that if anything, he is more worried about the lack of sun in London. "We
have got rid of the jet-lag I think - I'm pretty experienced now in the long
haul flying," he added. "The only thing I was worried about when I got back
home is just how white I am compared to everyone else! I really miss the
Aussie summer and I really haven't had a chance to get under the sun. "There
are some good tans kicking about and the likes of me and Emo [Brett Emerton]
are really struggling ..."
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Bellamy: injured again? - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 8th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Craig Bellamy is believed to have suffered a set back in his rehabilitation
process. The Welsh striker, out of action for three months made his comeback
as a substitute against Wigan last weekend and played the last twenty
minutes with no apparent adverse reactions. However strong rumours suggest
that he could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after
suffering stomach problems earlier this week. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley
refused to be drawn on the situation when commenting in yesterday's
pre-match press conference, saying: "He's a bit sore still to be honest.
"He's not 100 per cent how he wants to be but he still done enough in the
reserve game - and when he came on against Wigan - that perhaps not being
100 per cent is not too bad."
Bellamy had managed just nine appearances since his £7.5m summer switch from
Liverpool.
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Curbishley: Parker back soon - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 8th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has confirmed that Scott Parker is set to return to first
team action by the end of the month. The midfielder is yet to play this year
after sustaining an injury during the 2-1 win over Manchester United on
December 29th. However Curbishley allayed fears suggesting that Parker may
be out until next season. "Parker is about three weeks away contrary to
opinions," he said. "He's in full running and doing as well as we think he
should be doing."
Paker is just one of several expensive summer signings that has barely
featured for the first team this year. The former Charlton man, signed for
£7m last summer has made just 10 appearances this season. Craig Bellamy
(£7.5m) has played nine times, Julien Faubert (£6m) three - all from the
bench, and Kieron Dyer (£7m) hasn't made a first team appearance since last
August.
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Noble out? - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 8th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has hinted that Mark Noble may miss out against Birmingham
at the weekend. The Hammers boss confirmed that the 20-year-old midfielder
may to be rested after featuring against Wigan, Liverpool and Croatia under
21s since last Wednesday. "He played a big game on Tuesday," said Curbishley
at yesterday's pre-match press conference. "He's played three games in six
days and was a bit stiff yesterday - so we'll see what we've got tomorrow
really. "He ran an enormous amount during the [Liverpool] game. He looked a
little bit tired against Wigan and he's had to go and play again on Tuesday
night and run an enormous amount again. "I'm not in a position to rotate it
too much but what I know when I play Mark Noble is what I'm going to get -
he'll give us everything he's got."
Lee Bowyer is likely to step into Noble's place if the youngster is rested
against Birmingham, who are back in the bottom three despite spending big in
January's transfer window. Elsewhere there is good news ahead of Saturday;
back in contention are Julien Faubert, Nobby Solano and Luis Boa Morte -
although Bobby Zamora is likely to require further match practice before
being considered for selection. "Julien played a full reserve game on
Wednesday; Nobby Solano obviously came on at Wigan and played in the reserve
game as well," added Curbishley. "With Ljungberg, that's three people at the
moment who can play in that position. "We've got Matty Etherington and Boa
Morte on the other side; Freddie can play on the other side too so we are
getting some of the players together."
Fortunately for Curbishley all those players on international duty in
midweek appear to have emerged unscathed.
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West Ham v Birmingham preview - SSN
Hammers looking to close the gap on the top six
By Chris Burton Last updated: 8th February 2008
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 2-0
SKY BET odds: West Ham 4/5, Draw 12/5, Birmingham 7/2
One to Watch: Mark Noble
West Ham are pushing for Europe, while Birmingham are now firmly entrenched
in a relegation battle. The Hammers are just four points off Aston Villa in
sixth and will still harbour ambitions of clinching a Uefa Cup spot. They
are in good form of late as well having won seven and drawn five of their
last 16 Premier League games, and have suffered just one defeat in their
last seven at Upton Park. Birmingham on the other hand have slipped into the
relegation zone on the back of one win in 10 and have dropped points against
fellow strugglers Sunderland and Derby in recent weeks. They have also
struggled on their travels this season losing nine of their 13 games on the
road and will be in for another tough test in East London. The Hammers
recorded a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture back in August and will be looking
to pick up their fourth successive Premier League victory over the Blues.
Alan Cursbishley will asses the fitness of winger Julien Faubert before
deciding whether to include the Frenchman. He did manage 90 minutes for the
reserves on Monday but may need another run out for the second string after
only recently shaking off a calf strain. Nolberto Solano, Bobby Zamora and
Craig Bellamy were also in action earlier in the week and could be included
in the squad. Scott Parker (knee) and Kieron Dyer (broken leg) are still a
few weeks off full fitness, while Calum Davenport (neck), James Collins
(knee) and Nigel Quashie (foot) are also sidelined. Henri Camara has
returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal, but John Pantsil is
still in Ghana after featuring in the hosts' semi-final defeat to Cameroon
on Thursday.
Birmingham's Olivier Kapo will miss the game through suspension after
picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against Sunderland 11 days ago.
The absence of the former Juventus winger could give hope of a recall to
either Gary McSheffrey or Daniel De Ridder. With City struggling for goals
of late boss Alex McLeish must decide whether to make changes up front with
Mikael Forssell and Cameron Jerome both in contention for a recall.
Midfielder Mehdi Nafti and defender Rahi Jaidi have returned from the Africa
Cup of Nations but full-back Franck Queudrue is still sidelined with a
hamstring injury.
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McCartney wants a quick return to winning ways for the Hammers
By Guardian-series
GEORGE McCartney has sounded the battle cry ahead of West Ham's clash with
Birmingham at Upton Park tomorrow. The 26-year-old believes West Ham need to
get back on the winning trail as soon as possible following Saturday's
defeat at Wigan. The 1-0 loss at the JJB Stadium came against the run of
form - Wigan had never beaten West Ham on the ground, while the Hammers
themselves had suffered only three defeats in 16 matches. But Kevin Kibane's
header was enough to seal the points for the Latics while putting a dent in
the Irons' bid for a top-six finish in the Premier League. Now McCartney -
who played for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Bulgaria in Belfast on
Wednesday night - wants the team to get back to winning ways as soon as
possible. He said: "We have been on a great run of late and we have just got
to pick ourselves up for Birmingham. "Before the Wigan game, we had looked
at the next three matches and said we would maybe try to get six to nine
points out of them. "We haven't picked up anything (at Wigan), so we will
look to Birmingham at home and get back on track - but it is not going to be
easy." McCartney (pictured) has started every one of the Irons' 30 games,
and been part of a tight defence that has leaked just 22 goals in 24 Premier
League games, this season. The goal they conceded against Wigan was
uncharacteristic of the team, but McCartney remained philosophical about the
result. "It was one of them days," he said. "You can't win or get a point
out of every match in the Premier League. "We just had to keep it tight in
injury time at the end of the first half. It was looking 0-0 all over."
10:29am today
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Curbishley warns relegation battlers they can't copy West Ham's heroics of
last season
By Guardian-series
ALAN Curbishley has told the teams fighting for their Premier League
survival that they need to pick up points as soon as possible because they
cannot hope to emulate West Ham's achievements of last season. Then, the
Hammers collected an impressive seven wins from their last nine games to
avoid the drop, only completing the feat on the last day of the season.
There are only 13 games left in the remainder of this campaign, but
Curbishley (pictured) feels time is fast running out for those looking to
steer clear of relegation. His side face one of those struggling sides -
Birmingham - at Upton Park tomorrow, and he said: "Birmingham are roughly
where we were last year - we had 20 points. "It looks a long way to 40. It
can be done but to be done the way we did it - to win seven out of nine - is
probably never to be repeated. "Some teams have got to be looking to get
seven wins from the last 13 games, and they need to try and get them as
quickly as possible."
Birmingham suffered a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to basement boys Derby
in their last outing and are in the bottom three after picking up just two
wins from the last 11 league games. But, despite their precarious position,
Curbishley knows a tough afternoon is in store for his team. "The
expectations are full on for us because of where we are and where Birmingham
are, but we know it is just as difficult," he insisted. "If you look at
Derby's equaliser at Birmingham in the last minute, it just shows you
there's no gimmes in the Premier League. "We've drawn at home against Wigan
and Reading and had a tough game against sunderland. "A lot of games are so
tight and you have to perform every week. "If you're not right you can get
lucky - though invariably that doesn't work out too many times - but if
you're playing as well you can then you have a chance."
The Hammers themselves will be going into the game desperately looking to
put things right following the 1-0 defeat at Wigan on Saturday. Curbishley
saw that match as a massive chance to close the gap on the teams directly
above them in the table and continue the club's push for a top-six spot, and
said: "We were so disappointed because of the performance, the clubs around
us not doing so well and the (large) support we had. "Also, the nature of
the defeat and how it occurred, when I picked a side to deal with set plays
and they've not done it." He added: "We do need to bounce back because we
know what is at stake at the weekend. "The two teams above us are playing
away from home and if we get the result it will be a big lift for us. "If we
can do things right we should be looking to catch one or two of them teams -
but we've got to win the majority of our 14 games to stand any chance."
12:48pm today
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WEST HAM v Birmingham: O'Neill doubtful after gruelling flight - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:49pm on 8th February 2008
West Ham captain Lucas Neill will have to overcome a gruelling 24,000-mile
round trip if he is to feature against Birmingham at Upton Park tomorrow.
Neill flew to Melbourne immediately after last weekend's defeat at Wigan and
helped Australia open their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win
over Qatar. West Ham also had England's Matthew Upson and Northern Ireland's
George McCartney on international duty, though both were closer to home and
came through unscathed. Mark Noble may be rested after playing three games
in six days but Julien Faubert and Nolberto Solano both came through a
reserve game against QPR on Monday and could be in the selection mix. West
Ham also have on-loan striker Henri Camara back in training after he
returned from the Africa Nations Cup. But there are concerns over Craig
Bellamy who has been sidelined with an abdominal injury and reported being
"sore" three days after the reserve-team game.
Squad from: Green, Wright, Neill, Spector, Upson, Ferdinand, Gabbidon,
McCartney, Faubert, Bowyer, Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Boa
Morte, Ashton, Cole, Camara, Bellamy.
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