All the early team news and background for Saturday afternoon's Barclays
Premier League encounter
13.03.2008
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 15 March
3pm
Referee: Peter Walton
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference, plus live commentary to come
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
Introduction
* West Ham United, tenth in the Barclays Premier League, welcome Blackburn
Rovers to the Boleyn Ground with the chance to move to within three points
of their eighth-placed visitors.
* Alan Curbishley's men are determined to recover from three straight 4-0
defeats by Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and are still five
points ahead of eleventh-placed Spurs.
* West Ham United had not lost in their previous six home games before the
visit of Chelsea a fortnight ago.
* United have won eight and drawn one of the last nine league meetings at
the Boleyn Ground. Including three cup games, Blackburn have not won in any
of the last 12 visits to east London with the last success being a 2-1 win
on 27 April 1994.
* Speaking to whufc.com, West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker said: "It's
going to be a tough game, there's no doubting that. We've come out of a
tough run and confidence may be a little bit low on our side, Blackburn have
been doing really well, but we're at home and I fully expect us to go and
win the game."
* Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid said: "We're just worried about
ourselves. These last nine games, every one of them is going to be a cup
final. We've got a tough game this weekend at West Ham and over recent
seasons we haven't done ourselves justice there. Hopefully we can get a win
down there and turn the Fulham result around."
Last match
Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 West Ham United (9 March): Green, Neill, Ferdinand,
Spector, McCartney, Ljungberg (Pantsil 71), Mullins, Parker (Noble 76), Boa
Morte, Zamora, Ashton (Cole 77).
Subs not used: Wright, Solano
Goals: Berbatov 8, 11, Gilberto 85, Bent 90
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Fulham (8 March): Friedel, Ooijer, Samba,
Khizanishvili, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Kerimoglu (Roberts 57), Pedersen,
Santa Cruz, McCarthy (Derbyshire 56).
Subs not used: Brown, Mokoena, Dunn
Goals: Pedersen 59, Bullard 89
Team news
* Matthew Upson may be back after missing out on the Tottenham game with a
calf injury suffered at Liverpool on 5 March. Jonathan Spector had deputised
against Spurs. The US international flies to Nashville, Tennessee after this
game to join up with his country's Olympic squad for a Beijing qualifying
tournament.
* After starting against Tottenham, Alan Curbishley could have Parker in
contention for a first home start since the win against Manchester United on
29 December. Parker, who picked up a knee injury unrelated to the previous
problem in the summer when Cristiano Ronaldo fell on him, played 75 minutes
at Spurs and came through with no issues.
* Fit-again after a long-term knee injury that had kept him out since 28
August, Bobby Zamora made his first start against Tottenham. He had
previously played in three official reserve-team matches, scoring three
goals, before two substitute appearances with the senior side. Dean Ashton
partnered Zamora before the latter had to be switched to the left wing to
cover for the dismissed Luis Boa Morte.
* Boa Morte is suspended.
* Julien Faubert is back in training after picking up a knock in a challenge
by Chelsea's Claude Makelele a fortnight ago. It is thought the game will be
too soon for him. Nolberto Solano replaced him at Liverpool before Freddie
Ljungberg took the right-wing berth at Tottenham.
* Lee Bowyer has trained fully for the past week after a groin problem but
Matthew Etherington is still out.
* Kieron Dyer also continues to make progress from his double leg-break.
James Collins (cruciate knee ligaments) and Calum Davenport (neck) will not
return this season.
* Craig Bellamy has had an abdominal strengthening operation and has been
ruled out until April at the earliest. Danny Gabbidon (groin) is also some
way off a first-team return as is Nigel Quashie (foot).
* Also in the manager's thoughts are some in-form youngsters from the
reserves - namely Kyel Reid, Jack Collison and Freddie Sears. James Tomkins
is training after after a slight groin problem.
* For Blackburn, Ryan Nelsen (hamstring) and David Dunn (calf) have had
injury problems of late, although the latter was an unused substitute
against Fulham a week ago. Brett Emerton also missed out entirely on the
Fulham fixture because of a knock.
Background
* After 29 games last season, West Ham United had half the points (20) they
have achieved from the same number of matches this campaign (40).
* West Ham United met Blackburn with nine games to go last season as well.
The 2-1 away win on 17 March 2007 was the first of seven wins from the final
nine fixtures and proved pivotal to the club's survival fight. The victory,
secured after Carlos Tevez's penalty and Zamora's controversial winner
cancelled out Christopher Samba's goal, also came straight after a defeat by
Tottenham.
* West Ham United and Blackburn last met on 9 December 2007 at Ewood Park. A
tight contest was settled by Ashton's close-range strike on 52 minutes, just
seven minutes after he entered as a half-time substitute.
The lineups were:
Blackburn Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Dunn (Reid 70 ),
Mokoena (Savage 46) ,Tugay ,Pedersen (Roberts 76 ), Santa Cruz , McCarthy
Subs not used: Brown, Derbyshire
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano, Parker,
Mullins, Etherington (Ashton 46), Cole (Camara 88), Boa Morte
Subs not used: Wright, Noble,
* Last season's meeting at the Boleyn Ground fell on 29 October 2006 when
Teddy Sheringham, who announced this week he was retiring at the end of the
season, struck the opener in the 21st minute. Hayden Mullins then converted
on 80 minutes before a David Bentley consolation at the death.
* The Hammers have still not lost in all 14 league games this season when
they have taken the lead.
* Robert Green has kept eight clean sheets in 29 league games.
* Lucas Neill turned 30 last Sunday.
* George McCartney is bidding to make his 36th appearance this season in all
competitions. He has not missed a match since the 4-3 home defeat by
Tottenham Hotspur on 4 March 2007 - 44 games ago.
* 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
29 matches after fellow Upson was forced off with a calf strain against
Liverpool.
* Carlton Cole is two cautions away from a ban after his eighth yellow card
of the season at Liverpool, when Lucas Neill and Mark Noble each picked up
their fifth. The 'one-match ban for five cautions' rule was for all yellow
cards up to the end of February. However, a player receiving ten cautions
before the end of the second Sunday in April will be suspended for two
matches, starting seven days after the tenth offence.
* Brad Friedel is the only Blackburn player who has played in every Premier
League game this season. He, like Green, has also not missed a minute.
* Ashton, with six goals, five in the league, is the club's leading scorer.
Roque Santa Cruz with eleven, and 15 overall, is Blackburn's leading
top-flight marksman.
* Neill will be up against the club where he made 227 appearances between
September 2001 and January 2007.
* Blackburn have used just 21 players in the top flight this season. No team
has used fewer with Aston Villa also having called upon the same number.
West Ham United have featured 26 different members of the squad to date.
* West Ham United will next be in action on Saturday 22 March when they go
to Everton for a 5.15pm kick-off, live on Setanta Sports. Blackburn welcome
Wigan Athletic for a 3pm fixture.
Head to head (Last six Premier League meetings)
9 December 2007 - Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
17 March 2007 - Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Ham United
29 October 2006 - West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
10 December 2005 - Blackburn Rovers 3-2 West Ham United
13 August 2005 - West Ham United 3-1 Blackburn Rovers
29 January 2003 - West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Overall record v Blackburn (all competitions): W 39, D 16, L 45
General information
Tickets: For ticket information, click here. For details of getting to the
Boleyn Ground, click here
Weather: The forecast is for an overcast afternoon with rain. The
temperature is set to peak at around 12C.
* Essex FM are sponsoring the game and will be providing pre-match and
half-time entertainment. Watch out for the radio station's Thunders crew who
will be helping to make the day go with a bang.
* Fans who buy the matchday programme can get their hands on four special
vouchers, featuring special offers.
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Voucher offer with programme - WHUFC
Check out the official matchday magazine on Saturday to get your hands on
four special club offers
14.03.2008
West Ham United are delighted to be offering four special money-saving
vouchers to fans with this Saturday's programme for the Blackburn Rovers
game.
There is something for everyone so don't forget to pick up the top-quality
matchday magazine for the Barclays Premier League encounter and, as well as
a great read, get your hands on a bargain. Not only is there an exclusive
club offer to be used in the Stadium or Lakeside stores, there are also
three great deals involving Cadbury's, Esporta Health Clubs and XL Holidays.
Make sure you get the latest issue or you will miss out.
As well as picking up your copy of the distinctive magazine in and around
the stadium, you can also order online. Individual issues or subscriptions
are available so you can keep in touch with your team wherever you are in
the world. Featuring big player interviews, special features, the popular
Walker's World column, the thoughts of Tony Gale and Alan Curbishley's
pre-game perspective - the programme is packed full of the very best and
latest coverage of your club.
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West Ham v Blackburn - BBC
Upton Park
Saturday, 15 March
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day
West Ham defender Matt Upson hopes to be back after a calf problem while
Mark Noble is expected to replace the suspended Luis Boa Morte.
Julien Faubert, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Craig
Bellamy remain sidelined.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is confident Brett Emerton will recover from a
groin injury and David Dunn (calf) returns.
Steven Reid is doubtful with a groin injury and Ryan Nelson remains
sidelined with a calf problem.
Make your Premier League predictions
Blackburn (from): Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Tugay,
Dunn, Pedersen, Reid, Mokoena, Bentley, Roberts, Berner, Santa Cruz,
McCarthy, Derbyshire, Rigters, Brown.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Spector, McCartney, Ljungberg,
Parker, Noble, Mullins, Ashton, Zamora, Wright, Upson, Solano, Pantsil,
Noble, Cole, Collison, Sears.
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West Ham midfielder Scott Parker:
"It has been a bit of shock to us all that we have been on the end of a few
4-0s - but still, we'd expect to do better than that.
"We have had a blip, but we've got a big game at against Rovers where we
need to get three points.
"We are at home and I fully expect us to go and win the game."
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes :
"I think most clubs have at least one team where they go up against them and
don't seem to be able to come out with many positive results.
"You always have the opportunity when you go up against them again to turn
it around so that is what we are looking to do.
"We face them, from their point of view, on the back of a poor run."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
It has been a dismal March for West Ham. They have lost all three matches to
Chelsea (h), Liverpool (a) and Tottenham (a) by 0-4 margins. It is their
worst slump since suffering five defeats on the trot between 30 January and
4 March last year. A further defeat here would be their 200th in the Premier
League.
Blackburn have been climbing steadily and have avoided defeat in 10 of their
last 11 Premier League games. They have gained one more win on their league
travels, than Alan Curbishley's side have managed at home (six to five).
Rovers have scored more Premier League goals against the Hammers than
against any other club (37); but West Ham have gained more wins Blackburn
than any other side (11).
West Ham have won their last three Premier League meetings with Blackburn,
and the last four in all competitions.
Blackburn have not managed to muster a single point from their last seven
Premier League visits to Upton Park, and have only managed to win once in
this league from their initial trip in 1994, when Henning Berg and Ian
Pearce were on target in a 1-2 triumph.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 10th
Lowest could fall: 10th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Won one of six.
2. The current tally of 40 points is twice as many as were accumulated after
29 games last season.
3. If they fail to score against Blackburn it will be the first time in 58
outings since going four matches in a row without a goal. Infact they
suffered five successive defeats without scoring between 17 September and 22
October 2006. The sequence ended with a 2-1 home win over Blackburn on 29
October 2006.
4. Won 11 and lost 11 so far in this campaign, with seven draws.
5. Their 29 games have produced just 66 goals (31 for, 35 against). At 2.28,
it's the lowest goals per game return of any club.
6. Not lost any matches in which they have scored first; won eight and drawn
five of 13.
7. Won their last two home matches against North-West opposition; 2-1
against Manchester United on 29 December, and 1-0 against Liverpool on 30
January.
8. Kept just two clean sheets at home so far; against Middlesbrough and
Liverpool.
9. Successive away games against Everton and Sunderland follow this, before
a home clash with Portsmouth and a trip to Bolton.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 8th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Picked up seven points out of nine.
2. Lost one of eight (all competitions).
3. The 2-0 reverse at Arsenal on 11 February is their only league loss since
Christmas.
4. Come from behind on 12 occasions; only Aston Villa beat that (13 times).
5. Beat Tottenham (a), Newcastle (h), Derby (a) and Bolton (a) from losing
positions. No club has won more games in which they were trailing. Also,
rescued 16 points when losing; only Aston Villa beat that with 17.
6. Been shown 62 cards in this league this term (five red, 57 yellow); only
Middlesbrough players have been issued with more (71).
7. Used just 21 players; the joint fewest (with Aston Villa).
8. Yet to score a first half goal from open play in 2008. Benni McCarthy's
25th minute penalty against Bolton on 24 February is the only time they've
had one in the net before the break in this calendar year.
9. The 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on 11 February was their only loss in six on
the road.
10. A home clash with Wigan follows this, before a visit to Reading. Then
it's home to Tottenham, away to Liverpool, and home to Manchester United.
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 12).
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 three shy of 50 Premier League goals (Arsenal and West
Ham).
If selected:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Mark NOBLE will be making his 50th league appearance for the Hammers.
BELLAMY will be facing a former club. The 28 year old Wales international
forward made 32 appearances (27 in the league) and scored 17 goals (13
league) in one season for Blackburn from 2005.
Lucas NEILL will also be opposing former club mates. The 30 year old
Australia international midfielder made 227 appearances (188 in the league)
and scored eight goals (five league) for Rovers between September 2001 and
his move to Upton Park in January this year.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
Roque SANTA CRUZ is Blackburn's top scorer with 15 goals, and the club's
leading Premier League marksman with 11.
Brad FRIEDEL has made 177 consecutive appearances for Blackburn since
standing between the sticks against Charlton on 27 September 2004.
The 36 year old United States international keeper has put in 143 successive
Premier League appearances for Rovers, since the beginning of the 2004-05
season.
Only FRIEDEL has played every minute of every one of Blackburn's league and
cup matches this season.
David DUNN is a hat-trick shy of 50 club career goals.
HEAD TO HEAD
This fixture was West Ham's first on their return to the Premier League in
the season before last. They won 3-1, and followed up with a 2-1 success
last term.
The Hammers are targeting a second successive double over Mark Hughes' side.
There has been 39 goals in 10 league and cup matches between these sides,
and not been a goalless draw for over 27 years.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 36 wins, Blackburn 42, Draws 11
Prem: West Ham 11 wins, Blackburn 8, Draws 2
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 24 wins, Blackburn 14, Draws 6
Prem: West Ham 8 wins, Blackburn 1, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
29 October 2006 - Ref: Alan Wiley
West Ham scorers: Sheringham 21, Mullins 80
Blackburn scorer: Bentley 90
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
9 December 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley
West Ham scorer: Ashton 52
REFEREE
Martin Atkinson (Yorkshire)
Premier League referees' table
Martin Atkinson's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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Curbishley defends transfer policy - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 14th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has hit back after his policy of buying apparently
injury-prone players was cited as one of the reasons for the club's recent
disappointing form. The Hammers boss has been criticised in some quarters
for purchasing a number of players with long histories of injury problems,
such as Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy, which had led to a shortage of
players in certain areas. But talking in yesterday's pre-match press
conference Curbishley hit back at his critics, saying that most of the long
term injuries experienced this season were unavoidable and therefore out of
his hands. "Kieron Dyer played for 18 months before his injury and was
playing in the England squad then broke his leg," he said. "Nobody gives
that a lot of thought. "Faubert ruptured his achilles, Scott Parker took
three hits to his knees where he's done his ligaments. Some of those
injuries you just can't legislate for. "Three or four of the injuries have
been recurring injuries that the players had before I got to the club," he
added. "Etherington; Bowyer; Gabbidon with his pelvis. Collins, which was
another instant. "When I look at the injuries each week we've got eight,
nine or ten. Three or four you can't legislate for, three or four are
recurring injuries - which is something we've got to try and do something
about - and then the others are just wear and tear. "Bellamy's never had
this stomach problem before, so we've just been unlucky on certain
occasions. But I don't want to keep using that as an excuse as it's
disrespectful to the other players."
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Neill off to China - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 14th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Lucas Neill has been included in the latest Australian squad to face China
later this month. The Socceroos, led by Pim Verbeek play the Chinese in
their latest World Cup qualifier in Kunming on 26th March, and national
captain Neill will face another round-the-world trip ahead of West Ham
United's visit to Sunderland on the 29th March. Neill's form has been
criticised in some quarters this season, and his numerous trips to the other
side of the world have been cited as one of the reasons for his problems.
However the West Ham and Australia captain has made it quite clear that he
will never refuse to play for his country, whatever the domestic situation.
Provisional Australian squad
Michael Beauchamp (Nuremburg), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Jacob Burns (Unirea
Valahorum), Tim Cahill (Everton), Nick Carle (Bristol City), David Carney
(Sheffield United), Jason Culina (PSV), Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Adam
Federici (Reading), Vincenzo Grella (Torino), Brett Holman (NEC Nijmegen),
Josh Kennedy (Karlsruhe), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Patrick Kisnorbo
(Leicester City), Scott McDonald (Celtic), Lucas Neill (West Ham Utd), Mark
Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Mile Sterjovski (Derby County), James Troisi
(Newcastle), Carl Valeri (Grosseto), Luke Wilkshire (FC Twente)
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Upson back? - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 14th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson could make a surprise return to the team for this weekend's
visit of Blackburn Rovers. The England centre-half missed last weekend's 4-0
defeat at Tottenham after sustaining an injury during the game against
Liverpool at Anfield four days prior. But according to Alan Curbishley, he
could be return to take his place alongside Anton Ferdinand in the centre of
defence for a game in which the Hammers will be looking to stop their
dreadful run of recent defeats. "Matty Upson may be back," Cursbihley said
in the pre-match press conference. "We'll find that out over the next couple
of days." Definitely out of contention is Julien Faubert who is still
struggling with his ankle, whilst youngsters Freddie Sears, Jack Collison
and James Tomkins are also unlikely to be involved. "The timing's got to be
right for that," added Curbishley. "I've not got a problem putting them in,
but I think after three 4-0 defeats might not be the right time."
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West Ham v Blackburn preview - SSN
Curbishley hopes for sweet dreams after Rovers' visit
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 14th March 2008
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 1-1
SKY BET odds: West Ham 5/4, Draw 9/4, Blackburn 7/4
One to Watch: Roque Santa Cruz
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley will be hoping for a solid night's shut eye
on Saturday following Blackburn's Premier League visit to Upton Park.
Curbishley has admitted he has been suffering from 'sleepless nights' after
watching his side slump to three consecutive 4-0 Premier League thrashings
at the hands of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. And the Hammers boss will
be hoping to be totting up his side's goals rather than counting sheep as he
hits the hay at the weekend. However, Blackburn supporters are unlikely to
be singing Curbishley any lullabies upon their trip to the capital as Rovers
are still chasing a place in Europe. With Tottenham winning the Carling Cup
and with none of the 'big four' in contention for success in the FA Cup,
only a place in the top five of the Premier League will secure qualification
for Europe this season and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has admitted his
eighth-placed side could at best be hoping for an Intertoto Cup spot. West
Ham will hope to have England defender Matthew Upson back from a calf
problem for their journey to East London. However, midfielder Luis Boa Morte
is suspended following his red card in the defeat at Spurs and Mark Noble is
expected to fill in. Curbishley has had nightmares with injury problems this
season and long-term absentees Julien Faubert, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew
Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy are all continuing their
rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Rovers - who have not beaten West Ham on their own patch in 14
years - will be hoping to bounce back from last week's 1-1 draw with
struggling Fulham. Hughes is expected to welcome back Brett Emerton (groin)
and David Dunn (hamstring) after the duo returned to training during the
week. However, Steven Reid is a doubt as the Republic of Ireland
international has not trained all week due to a groin strain. Defender Ryan
Nelsen - who has been out of action with a calf injury - will again be
absent, while full-back Martin Olsson has also been sidelined over recent
weeks with an ankle problem.
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Alan Curbishley should be sacked as West Ham gaffer - Sportigo
Fri, Mar 14, 08 13:38 Ed Bottomley
Alan Curbishley: Has he lost the changing room? (gettyimages.com)Leaking 12
goals without reply in three games is the sign of freefall. Will the reality
of 40 points in the bank save the West Ham board from curbing their
enthusiasm for firing the boss?
'He is leading the end-of-season sack race because he has committed the
cardinal sin of a gaffer..he has lost the changing room'Should Alan
Curbishley be sacked as West Ham manager? In one word, yes.
In over four hundred words I think Curbs could be treading a very fine line
and he will be definitely testing the faith of the boardroom. His side have
strung together, through apathy and laziness, a set of three rancid results,
so pitifully bad that they rival Derby's "score one goal and we'll throw in
five more free of charge" failures.
The fact that West Ham are churning out such mephitic results with unerring
regularity like a dysenteric medieval peasant is very worrying. Following a
simple paint-by-numbers 1-0 win against Fulham, their last three games have
looked like this:
West Ham 0-4 Chelsea
Liverpool 4-0 West Ham
Tottenham 4-0 West Ham
Yep, three 4-0 losses in a row, Kevin Keegan is starting to look like he has
his finger on the pulse compared to Curbs.
The frenzied press hype regarding the Premier League may have led to rash
sackings of managers, many of whom should have been given a better chance. I
agree to a certain extent, Sam Allardyce and Jose Mourinho for example,
haven't been replaced by more successful managers, and I'm pleased that the
woefully underrated Gareth Southgate has been given longer to prove himself.
However, I think that Curbishley is the exception that proves the rule. He
is leading the end-of-season sack race because he has committed the cardinal
sin of a gaffer...he has lost the changing room, something that is as plain
as day when you look at his talented squad and the results that they have
been getting.
The fact that Chelsea and Liverpool did a number on them isn't a total
surprise - but conceding a quartet of goals in each game indicates a total
lack of fight. Getting smashed 4-0 by Tottenham, fellow mid-table meanderers
also with little or nothing to play for, is a very bad sign indeed.
West Ham still have a lot of relegation strugglers to play, along with
Manchester United, Everton, and Arsenal fighting at the other end for
points. The Hammers have some excellent players, and their current freefall
down the league in running roughshod over the brilliant and hard work that
Carlos Tevez did last season, pulling up trees to keep the team afloat.
West Ham can count their lucky stars that they are currently perched on 40
points or they could be in real trouble come the end of the season
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If Curbs thinks it's bad for West Ham, it's not like last year - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:17pm on 14th March 2008
A year ago Alan Curbishley's West Ham had just lost to Tottenham, conceding
four goals in the process and with nine matches to go, were preparing to
face Blackburn. Fast forward 12 months and the scenario is uncannily
similar. Last weekend Curbishley's team were again beaten by Spurs,
conceding four goals and tomorrow meet Blackburn, again with nine Premier
League matches remaining. Here is the difference though - a year ago West
Ham looked doomed. They had just 20 Premier League points to their name and
seemed to be heading into the Championship. In the end Curbishley's team hit
the sort of survival streak which is unlikely ever to be repeated, winning
seven of those final nine matches to stay up. Move forward a year and the
contrast is there for all to see. West Ham have 40 points, exactly double
their total before they met Blackburn 12 months ago and their top-flight
survival has already been confirmed for another season. Even now, in the
wake of three disastrous scorelines, Curbishley believes West Ham could
still finish as high as eighth in the Premier League. He said: "We've
managed 61 points in 38 games since I've been here and that isn't too bad,
is it? "If someone had just arrived in this part of London and looked at the
criticism I have been taking and then the league table, he would be
wondering what was going on. "I suspect there is an agenda out there but
that's something I can't control, or worry about unduly."
The club invested heavily last summer in Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Julien
Faubert and Scott Parker but between them they have played less than 20
games. Effectively Curbishley signed those players to replace the three
quality ones who left: Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool and Nigel Reo-Coker and
Marlon Harewood to Aston Villa. Tomorrow though, is a big game for
Curbishley. He may have the statistics on his side but another defeat like
the last three and the pressure on him in bound to increase another couple
of notches.
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Portsmouth, West Ham eyeing Udinese's D'Agostino
tribalfooball.com - March 14, 2008
Portsmouth and West Ham United are keeping tabs on Udinese midfielder
Gaetano D'Agostino. The 25 year-old could emerge as one of Gianluca Nani's
first signings as West Ham's new technical director.
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West Ham v BLACKBURN: Emerton back for Rovers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:30am on 14th March 2008
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is confident Australian Brett Emerton will
recover from a groin injury for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash
with West Ham at Upton Park. David Dunn has also fully fit after his calf
injury but Hughes has a doubt over Steven Reid, who has missed training
twice this week with a groin problem. Defender Ryan Nelsen is still out with
a calf injury as Hughes' men go in search of the three points required to
maintain their realistic UEFA Cup hopes.
Provisional squad: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Tugay,
Dunn, Pedersen, Reid, Mokoena, Bentley, Roberts, Berner, Santa Cruz,
McCarthy, Derbyshire, Rigters, Brown.
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WEST HAM v Blackburn: Upson back for Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:18am on 14th March 2008
Midfielder Luis Boa Morte is suspended following his red card in the defeat
at Tottenham - the Hammers' third straight 4-0 loss - so Mark Noble could
come in. Julien Faubert, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and
Craig Bellamy are all continuing their rehabilitation, but will not yet be
back in first-team contention.
Provisional squad: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Spector, McCartney, Ljungberg,
Parker, Noble, Mullins, Ashton, Zamora, Wright, Upson, Solano, Pantsil,
Noble, Cole, Collison, Sears.
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West Ham Utd v Blackburn - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 14th March 2008
By: Matthew Coker
I am sure that you have all suffered in the last week or so as much as I
have, a week of grief from the spuds that I am unfortunate to have to live
amongst to the point where I no longer wish to hear the number four ever
again. It is a time to regroup, get back to the Boleyn and hopefully get
back on track as we face Blackburn Rovers in a 3pm, Saturday afternoon kick
off.
In theory, we are still in the hunt for a European place, with us being
eight points off sixth place and with games against the other UEFA hopefuls
including Portsmouth, Villa, Everton and of course Blackburn to come.
However, the successive mullerings that we suffered last week suggests that
Papua New Guinea is nearer to Europe than us at the moment and I am viewing
this game with some trepidation.
Our opponents currently sit in eighth place, six points clear of us with 46
already in the bag. They have registered as many points on the road as they
have at home, gained from six wins and five draws. This can be partly
attributed to the common tactic of playing swift, counter attacking football
and they, not dissimilarly to us (last week aside), are happier closing down
play than they are creating it.
Their away wins this season have come at Middlesbrough, Sunderland,
T*tenham, Derby, Bolton and Newcastle so have tended to be the teams at the
bottom end of the table. They have drawn at Everton, Chelsea, Fulham, Man
City and Villa and have only lost on the road at the Emirates Stadium, Old
Trafford and the JJB, in a freakish 5-3 defeat over the Christmas period.
This will make them fairly formidable away opposition, though the Boleyn
will hardly be top of their list for favourite away trips.
You have to go back to 1995 for the last time Blackburn managed to gain a
point in a game at our place and they have become something of a landmark
side in respect of supplying us with much needed wins.
Roeder registered his first home victory of the season against Blackburn in
the fated relegation season and Pardew was lucky enough to get Blackburn in
the first fixture post promotion, meaning we started the 2005/06 campaign
with a 3-1 win.
Last season's fixture was also a win, coming on the back of a club record
number of defeats and was underpinned by significant and vocal support for a
manager under pressure, a quality that seems to be sadly missing from West
Ham fans at the moment.
We are looking to do the double over Blackburn, having won at Ewood Park
courtesy of an Ashton strike and if you were looking for fate to restore
West Ham to good luck, then this would probably be the fixture you would
want.
Rovers Line Up
The manager, Mark Hughes, comes with a good reputation and his success at
taking Blackburn away from relegation worries and into regular European
contention has apparently endeared him to several club chairman (he is
believed to have spoken to Newcastle before their comical appointment of
Keegan). The supporters recognise that he has performed well in the transfer
market and that he has kept up with many clubs with much larger resources,
but there are a few fans muttering that the current Hughes brand of football
is not that entertaining to watch, a seemingly familiar complaint of many
teams this season.
Blackburn should line up with Brad Friedel in goal with a back four of Andre
Ooijer on the right, Christopher Samba and Zurab Khizanishvili (deputising
for the injured Ryan Nelsen) in the middle and Stephen Warnock wide left.
The side has shipped more than a goal a game on the road over the course of
the season, but this stat has been skewed by the Wigan game and they are the
usual solid reliable Blackburn back four.
Hughes lines up with a 4-4-2, with former Millwall man, Steven Reid, taking
on the holding role. The undoubted star of the midfield, indeed the side, is
David Bentley, who plays either wide right or in the advanced position in
the middle of park.
He has continued to improve at Blackburn and would have impressed new
England coach, Fabio Capello, with an assured performance against
Switzerland. There are a few transfer rumours circulating in regards to
Bentley, but having started life somewhat unhappily at Arsenal, experience
may have taught him that life playing for one of the big four is not always
the holy grail it appears to be.
Mort Gamst Pedersen is likely to start on the left. He is a player that is
rated outside of Blackburn but his performances this season (and for much of
last) would not necessarily support that. He has managed just two league
goals this season and the one last week followed an obvious push on Fulham's
Paul Stalteri, suggesting that Pedersen's probity is as doubtful as the
ability underpinning his reputation.
Other possibles for the midfield include David Dunn or the veteran Turk,
Tugay in the middle (if Bentley plays right) or Brett Emerton on the right,
with Bentley in the middle.
Up front, Hughes favours the combination of Roque Santa Cruz and Benni
McCarthy. The South African is not particularly popular at Ewood Park as his
goal scoring record has dipped significantly on last season's tally, though
his disinterested performances have continued. He claimed that he was
unsettled by the interest of Chelsea early in the season, but he has failed
to get into the groove this year, having only scored three goals from open
play (though penalties have boosted his league total for the campaign to
eight).
Roque Santa Cruz is recognised as the main striker at the club and has a
total of nine goals this season so far. He is a hard working striker and
adept at the flick ons who Hughes clearly likes, having started him
regularly, even during periods when Cruz has looked worn out. Back up comes
in the form of prospect, Matt Derbyshire, who has registered three goals
this season despite not starting regularly and often being played out of
position and Jason Roberts, who has only scored one goal in this Premiership
campaign but provides energy and creation to the side when he gets a run
out.
Overall, it will be about keeping tight on Santa Cruz and Bentley as well as
being aware of the quick breaking football that Blackburn like to play. As
well as that, it would be good to create a few efforts of our own and
hopefully improve on our new found consistency of the last three games.
"But that's what I like about the club, because when I was originally there
it was a small, family club. It had 28,000 dyed-in-the-wool supporters, and
nobody thought about sacking the manager; if the team played sh*t, then we
said they played sh*t. Blimey, it's not the manager's fault."
Kenny Lynch, Northern Soul legend and lifelong West Ham fan quoted from
Brian Belton's East End Heroes, Stateside Kings
Sentiments that were echoed by Julian Dicks this week and I think that we,
as supporters, need to be careful of making simplified knee jerk reactions.
It is obvious that Curbishley has not yet convinced many supporters but
there seems to be an unrepresentative number phoning the radio to call for
his head at every given opportunity.
It is disappointing when fans of a club like West Ham that is supposed to
stand for loyalty and tradition (one of which was having few managers)
suddenly decide that it is not enough to take one step forward from last
seasons' relegation battle. Some of us seem to think that we have a divine
right to Champions League football, which bears no relation to last season
or indeed (bar a few) any seasons that I have been watching the Irons.
It is an MTV generation, I want it now and I want it bought for me, desire
for success that goes against everything that West Ham always stood for. I
understand that there are complaints regarding the aesthetic of the play at
the moment but we need to display patience to allow the manager to build on
the miracles that were performed last season and that which injury have
prevented us from doing so this season.
Talking of injuries and back to this week, we could possible see both the
Matties back as well as Julien Faubert and maybe even Lee Bowyer in
contention this Saturday. We do, of course, have to cope with the loss of
Luis Boa Morte, though that should not pose too many problems.
I am going to go for the optimistic approach and think that we can put our
recent problems behind us and to pick up a cheeky 2-1 win.
Enjoy the game.
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