WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Sunday's trip to the Stadium of Light
03.12.2010
Sunderland v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Stadium of Light
Sunday 5 December 2010
4pm
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Introduction
• West Ham United travel to seventh-place Sunderland looking for a third straight win for the first time since January 2009 when they beat Fulham and Hull City at home either side of an FA Cup success away to Hartlepool United.
• West Ham, still in last place, won 3-1 at home to Wigan Athletic in Barclays Premier League action last Saturday and then thrashed Manchester United 4-0 at home on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
• The Hammers have lost just once in the last eleven meetings with Sunderland - but have still not won a Barclays Premier League away game since the opening day of last season at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
• The Hammers run of 25 matches without an away success is equalled only by Fulham.
• The Black Cats, led by Steve Bruce, have not lost at home this season - save for a Carling Cup defeat by the Hammers.
• The Hammers were 2-1 winners at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 21 September in the Carling Cup third round - Victor Obinna and Frederic Piquionne finding the target.
• Avram Grant's men have lost just once in the last six games in all competitions.
• Grant has never lost in six meetings with Steve Bruce, drawing three matches and winning three.
• Sunderland have not lost to London opposition in the league this season. They were 3-0 winners at Chelsea, drew 1-1 at Tottenham Hotspur and were held 1-1 at home by Arsenal.
• Danny Welbeck is in tremendous form for the Black Cats, with four goals in the last three games since breaking his Sunderland duck in that win against Chelsea on 14 November.
• West Ham's biggest ever win away at Sunderland came on 9 September 1967, when goals from Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst (two), Harry Redknapp and Bobby Moore helped them to a 5-1 victory. The Hammers' biggest ever win over Sunderland came in the shape of an 8-0 success at the Boleyn Ground on 19 October 1968. Geoff Hurst scored six goals - including a hat-trick in each half - while Bobby Moore and a young Trevor Brooking added one apiece.
• Sunderland's biggest ever win over West Ham came on 5 March 1977, when the Black Cats romped to a 6-0 victory over the Londoners. Their best performance in east London was a 3-0 triumph on 25 April 1931.
• The most recent league meeting between the two sides was on 10 April 2010, when Ilan's 51st-minute goal secured a vital Barclays Premier League victory for West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground. A 34,685-strong crowd were present to see the Hammers pick up three valuable points in their ultimately successful fight against relegation.
Last time out
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Carling Cup fifth round
West Ham United 4-0 Manchester United
West Ham United: Green, Ben Haim, Upson, Spector, Faubert, Tomkins (Reid 74), Kovac, Boa Morte, Barrera (Hines 76), Cole (Stanislas 89), Obinna
Subs not used: Boffin, Parker, McCarthy, Piquionne
Goals: Spector 22, 37, Cole 55, 66
Saturday 27 November 2010
Barclays Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 Sunderland
Sunderland: Gordon, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Onuoha, Mensah (Al Muhammadi 82), Richardson, Cattermole, Zenden (Gyan 56), Henderson (Malbranque 56), Bent, Welbeck Subs not used: Mignolet, Da Silva, Riveros, Angeleri
Goals: Bent 67, Welbeck 77
Last meeting
The sides have already met this season in the Carling Cup second round at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 21 September 2010. Frederic Piquionne opened the scoring on 35 minutes before Asamoah Gyan equalised six minutes later. However, Victor Obinna's first goal for the Hammers just before the hour gave Avram Grant's men a vital victory.
Sunderland: Mignolet, Ferdinand (Da Silva 40), Richardson, Bardsley, Onuoha, Riveros, Al Muhammadi, Henderson (Zenden 71) , Bent, Gyan (Malbranque 61), Welbeck
Subs not used: Carson, Angeleri, Colback, Reid
West Ham United: Stech, Ben Haim, Faubert, Da Costa, Tomkins, Parker, Kovac, Boa Morte, Barrera (Noble 89), Piquionne (Cole 78), Obinna (Dyer 71)
Subs not used: Boffin, Spector, Brown, McCarthy
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
21 September 2010 - Sunderland 1-2 West Ham United
10 April 2010 - West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland
31 October 2009 - Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United
4 April 2009 - West Ham United 2-0 Sunderland
23 November 2008 - Sunderland 0-1 West Ham United
29 March 2008 - Sunderland 2-1 West Ham United
• Sunday's game marks the 81st time West Ham and Sunderland have faced one another in competitive fixtures. West Ham have won 32, Sunderland 28 and there have been 20 draws.
Overall record v Sunderland (all competitions) W 32 D 20 L 28
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
2000/01 Premier League 15th (42 points)
Sunderland
2009/10 Premier League 13th (44 points)
2008/09 Premier League 16th (36 points)
2007/08 Premier League 15th (39 points)
2006/07 Championship 1st (88 points, promoted to Premier League)
2005/06 Premier League 20th (15 points)
2004/05 Championship 1st (94 points, promoted to Premier League)
2003/04 Championship 3rd (79 points)
2002/03 Premier League 20th (19 points)
2001/02 Premier League 17th (40 points)
2000/01 Premier League 7th (57 points)
Referee
• The match referee will be Martin Atkinson, who was in charge when the Hammers won 1-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on 25 September. He also took charge of Sunderland's 2-0 home success against Stoke City on 6 November.
• He was the man in the middle for Ivory Coast's 1-0 win against Italy at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 10 August.
• A referee since the age of 16, Atkinson was promoted to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1998. In 2000, Atkinson was promoted to the Select Group of assistant referees, allowing him to run the line in Premier League matches.
• Atkinson joined the National List of referees for the Football League at the start of the 2003/04 season before taking charge of his first Premier League fixture on 20 April 2005 when Manchester City entertained Birmingham City.
• Atkinson was the man in the middle at the 2006 FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. He also took charge of the 2008 FA Trophy final between Ebbsfleet United and Torquay United at Wembley Stadium.
• Atkinson refereed two West Ham games last season - the 2-1 defeat at Stoke City on 17 October and the 2-0 home loss against Arsenal on 20 March 2010.
Team news
West Ham United
• Manager Avram Grant is definitely without Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) and Jack Collison (knee). Collison is hoping to return around the turn of the year, Hitzlsperger has a provisional February comeback date having had surgery on his torn muscle.
• Manuel da Costa has had surgery three weeks ago on an ankle injury and is likely to be missing for up to three months as a result of the problem, which followed a late Cesc Fabregas foul away to Arsenal.
• Mark Noble has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a hip injury suffered in the last minute at Anfield. Valon Behrami may also be missing, having had a hip injury.
• All other members of the squad have been in training.
• Freddie Sears has extended his loan spell at Championship side Scunthorpe United until 3 January 2011.
Sunderland
• John Mensah (shoulder) is hoping to figure despite his injury problems of late. Stephen Reid is out with a hamstring issue.
• Michael Turner and Titus Bramble are likely to still be on the sidelines with knee injuries as is fellow defender Michael Kilgallon (back). David Meyler could be back after a knee injury.
• Fraizer Campbell is missing from the attack with a knee injury.
Background
West Ham United
• No team has been caught offside more than the Hammers this season (53).
• Robert Green is the only Hammers player to have started every one of the 15 league games this season, although Frederic Piquionne has featured in all of those matches either as a starter or off the bench.
• West Ham have yet to score in the first ten minutes of a Barclays Premier League game this season - the quickest strike being Carlton Cole's 12th-minute goal against Newcastle United.
• Danny Gabbidon has the quickest card in the division this season, earning a caution just 1min and 25 seconds into the Fulham home game.
• Scott Parker will make his 100th start for the Hammers if selected in the initial eleven. Danny Gabbidon's next appearance will bring up his century in claret and blue.
Sunderland
• Darren Bent has nine goals in all competitions this season, just two behind Dimitar Berbatov - the country's leading marksman.
• Simon Mignolet has kept five clean sheets for the Black Cats, just three behind Petr Cech of Chelsea in the race for the Barclays Premier League golden gloves.
• Jordan Henderson is the only Sunderland player to start all of their league fixtures, although Steed Malbranque has featured in all of those matches either as a starter or off the bench.
Old boys
• Anton Ferdinand began his career at West Ham's famed Academy, making 163 appearances and scoring five goals for the Hammers before joining Sunderland in August 2008.
• Midfielder Kieran Richardson began his career at West Ham, but failed to make a first team appearance before joining Manchester United in 2002. The 24-year-old joined Sunderland in July 2007.
• Matthew Kilgallon played three times for the Hammers on loan from Leeds United in the 2003/04 season.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Dick Bell, Gary Breen, Clive Clarke, Keith Coleman, Ernest England, John Foreman, Harry Forster, Jack Foster, Harry Hooper, Don Hutchison, George McCartney, Mick McGiven, Andy Melville, Billy Moore, Bryan 'Pop' Robson and Dave Swindlehurst.
Next up
• The Hammers welcome Manchester City on Saturday 11 December for their last home match before Christmas. Sunderland travel to Fulham on the same day.
General information
• For ticket information, click here.
• Sunday evening's forecast in Sunderland is for bitterly cold conditions, with temperatures peaking around the 5C mark.
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Avram on Friday
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland
03.12.2010
Avram Grant has conducted his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland. The West Ham United manager discussed a wide-range of issues, including the high confidence in the squad following back-to-back wins, beating the cold snap and having a welcome selection dilemma. Grant also talked about his happiness with Carlton Cole, Jonathan Spector and new defensive coach Wally Downes, as well as England's failed bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Avram on Sunderland…
This is one of the most difficult games for every team to go to Sunderland. They are very good, especially at home, and have performed well. They have a good, very balanced team. They have spent money on good players who have made a good impact. It won't be easy but our target is to make it not easy to play against us. They are scoring a lot of goals, they have good forward players and players with good delivery. It will be a tough game for the defence but we defend as a team so it's not only the back four.
Avram on a successful week…
I felt that the supporters were very happy and I think, for us, it was very important that after they went a long way to Liverpool and the game was not good, that we worked hard for the supporters and the people around us. Seeing all of them so happy made me happy. About the team, I think it's about time that we won games. We have always been on the edge of drawing or winning most of our games. In most of our games, we were the better team, but you cannot take any points from being the better team, only if you score more goals. The game against Wigan was good for us as we got three points and, of course, the game against Man United when we won with good football and without key players showed we have a good squad. For me, it's good.
I think the performances and results were important for the players because psychology is also important, especially because the players felt they played well but didn't get the points. We were more clinical in the box, so of course I feel everything is looking better. The key word in sport is 'next', so the next game is the most important. We have a very tough game in Sunderland and we want to take a good result there.
Avram on snow disrupting training…
I think it hasn't been easy for all the teams. I saw that on television that clubs have had a lot of trouble with their training grounds. We trained today at Upton Park which was good for us, but normally we are training at the training ground. It was no problem. Surprisingly, the players came in on time even more than on normal days, including one or two who are always late!
Avram on having a selection dilemma…
I think that every player that has a good performance has a chance to play. After we won against Sunderland in the Carling Cup without seven players who had played in the league the game before, we performed well in the games after. I think competition between players is the heart of sport. I personally prefer this situation to the way it was in the beginning of the season when we needed to look for eleven players to play.
Avram on Jonathan Spector in midfield…
Of course he is an option. For the last month we tried him in midfield. We changed his position and he did well for us. This is important because you know all our midfielders were injured and couldn't play - it started with Hitzlsperger, then Mark Noble and Valon Behrami and, last week, we were without Scott Parker. It's good for us to have one more midfielder who can play.
Avram on Scott Parker's availability…
He trained this week but we don't know yet if he can play on Sunday. Of course, we will not take any risks. He also trained before Manchester United but didn't play.
Avram on Carlton Cole…
Some players, when they don't perform well and are a little bit disappointed with themselves, say some things, but all of this is inside the club. I don't dealwith any players through the media. What I have to say to the players, I said to them. The most important thing is that he scored two goals because he didn't start the season so well. The last two weeks he's been working very hard and for a striker, the most important thing is to score goals. He scored two goals and I believe he will score more. I like to speak with the players because when you speak with them face to face they tell you what they think and I tell them what I think. You know, there is only one man who takes the deicisions. Carlton always try to do his best in training but after this game where his performance was not good [at Liverpool], he reacted very well and tried even harder. He got his reward this week. My relationship with all the players is good. I feel like they are my family. Sometimes even if one of your family is not doing good, you tell them not to do it again. If it happens two or three times, then you need to think about things, but what we have to say to the players, we say it face to face. We want him to be here but you never know what will happen in football. We want to keep this squad. I don't like the January transfer window because it's not easy to bring players in and we don't want to lose players. We want to keep the same squad for all the season.
Avram on Wally Downes…
He has done a good job. Normally I don't judge people after one week because you want to give them time, but Wally made a good impact. It's very important in English football to have coaches with specific roles and we will do that here, step by step. He has come as a defensive coach with a lot of energy and commitment and even in only one week I am very pleased with him.
Avram on England's unsuccessful 2018 FIFA World Cup bid…
I know it is disappointing for everybody because we have the best league in the world with all the passion around and everything, but that's life sometimes. It's going to Russia, which I think is a good country.
Avram on the perception of England across the world…
There are always people who are jealous of the rich and successful. In my country, everybody loves English football. The league is very exciting and the people are very passionate about football. I don't think there is an issue with this. I don't think there is any person or country in the world that everybody loves. I don't think this is the situation. I know what FIFA is doing - they are trying to bring football to other areas of the world. Maybe this is the situation.
Avram on England's bid…
On the football side they could not do better - they have the best league in the world and facilities are great. There is the passion of the people. Everything is at the top level. At the end of the day, 22 people make the decision so it is not the decision of the world. People sometimes have their reasons to vote for this or for other things. I think it's a secret who voted for who but I don't think England did something wrong.
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Sunderland v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stadium of Light Date: Sunday, 5 December Kick-off: 1600 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland defender John Mensah has declared himself fit despite taking a knock to his shoulder last week. Regular centre-backs Michael Turner and Titus Bramble are still out, but David Meyler returns after a knee injury.
West Ham boss Avram Grant may start Carling Cup heroes Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole, despite neither beginning last week's league win over Wigan. Scott Parker again looks set to play despite his recent chest infection, although Mark Noble misses out.
Sunderland
Injured: Bramble, Campbell & Turner (all knee), Kilgallon (back), Carson (shoulder), Reid (hamstring)
West Ham
Doubtful: Dyer (hamstring), Parker (chest infection)
Injured: Collison, Edgar & Kurucz (all knee), Da Costa (ankle), Hitzlsperger (thigh), Noble (appendicitis)
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham's save our season day last weekend has clearly had an impact. Not only did Avram Grant's side secure just their second league win of the season against strugglers Wigan, but their fine 4-0 League Cup success over Manchester United has taken the Hammers into the semi-finals for the first time for 20 years.
The Hammers should be further boosted going into this game, having already won at the Stadium of Light this season. Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna both scored in West Ham's League Cup third-round clash during September. Obinna scored his first Premier League goal last weekend and there have been signs in the last few weeks that the on-loan Inter Milan striker is finally coming to terms with the English game.
West Ham's recent revival has coincided with the appointment of new defence coach Wally Downes. The charismatic 49-year-old has over 22 years of experience on the sidelines and has been a popular addition to the backroom staff. In two games since he was appointed, the Hammers have scored seven goals, in front of a backline in which he has instilled "attitude and aggression".
Like so many clubs across the country, Sunderland's preparations for the game have been severely disrupted because of the weather. Steve Bruce's squad have been forced to train on the Stadium of Light surface, and risk the wrath of the groundsman, as their training ground does not yet have an indoor pitch.
To further complicate matters, assistant boss Eric Black has been unable to attend training this week after being snowed in, while injuries are also taking there toll. As Bruce acknowledges, it's not been the ideal start to one of the busiest months of the football season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• The Hammers have won half of the 18 Premier League meetings between the sides; the Black Cats have mustered just four successes.
• Sunderland have not beaten West Ham in two seasons since a 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light in March 2008.
• West Ham have scored in each of their last 15 league encounters against Sunderland (11 in the Premier League) since a 1-0 away defeat in December 2001.
Sunderland
• The Black Cats are unbeaten at home in the league this season (W3, D4), a record only Manchester United can match.
• Sunderland have conceded just five goals at home so far - only Chelsea (3) have let in fewer.
• Steve Bruce's side have lost 11 points from leading positions this term - only Aston Villa and Liverpool (12) have lost more in the division.
West Ham
• West Ham are looking for back-to-back league victories for the first time in nine months. Avram Grant is also on course to win consecutive league matches for the first time in two-and-a-half years since his Chelsea team won three in a row from April to May 2008.
• The Hammers are one of four clubs yet to win away this term, along with Birmingham, Fulham and Wolves.
• If selected, Scott Parker will be making his 100th start for West Ham, while Danny Gabbidon could feature in his 100th appearance for the club.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Sunderland
Bent: 9 goals (7 league); Gyan: 6 goals (5 league)
West Ham
Parker: 6 goals (4 league); Piquionne: 5 goals (4 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant referees: David Richardson & Andy Madley
Fourth official: Mike Jones
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Sunderland (L2-3 v Wolves, a): Gordon, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Mensah (Elmohamady 83), Bardsley, Richardson, Henderson (Malbranque 55), Cattermole, Zenden (Gyan 55), Bent, Welbeck. Subs Not Used: Mignolet, Angeleri, Da Silva, Riveros.
West Ham (W3-1 v Wigan, h): Green, Jacobsen (Reid 50), Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon, Behrami, Barrera, Parker (Kovac 83), Stanislas, Piquionne (Cole 77), Obinna. Subs Not Used: Boffin, Boa Morte, McCarthy, Hines.
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Cole still in Grant's plans
Iron boss keen to keep hold of powerful frontman
Last updated: 3rd December 2010
SSN
Avram Grant wants to keep Carlton Cole at West Ham United but admits the striker's future at the club is in doubt. Cole was linked with a deadline day switch to Liverpool in the summer and speculation is mounting that the Reds, along with Tottenham and Stoke, are preparing January offers for the £10million rated forward. The Hammers are financially-stricken and it is believed they would be prepared to offload the England international if the price was right. Grant hopes Cole, who struck twice in the 4-0 Carling Cup triumph over Manchester Unitedon Tuesday night, will remain at Upton Park beyond the January transfer window but refused to rule out the 27-year-old moving on to pastures new. "We want him to be here but you never know what will happen in football. We want to keep this squad," he said. "I don't like the January transfer window because it's not easy to bring players in and we don't want to lose players. We want to keep the same squad for all the season."
Family
Cole was publicly critical of Grant's tactics after last month's 3-0 drubbing by Liverpool and the Israeli has dealt with the matter behind closed doors. "Some players, when they don't perform well and are a little bit disappointed with themselves, say some things," said Grant. "But all of this is inside the club. I don't deal with any players through the media. What I have to say to the players, I say to them. "I like to speak with the players because when you speak with them face to face they tell you what they think and I tell them what I think. "But there is only one man who takes the decisions. "My relationship with all the players is good. I feel like they are my family. "Sometimes even if one of your family is not doing so well, you tell them not to do it again. "If it happens two or three times, then you need to think about things, but what we have to say to the players, we say it face to face."
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Bruce - Iron clash good to go
Black Cats boss admits preparations have been hampered by weather
Last updated: 3rd December 2010
SSN
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce expects Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham United to go ahead as planned. The Black Cats have been forced to train on the Stadium of Light pitch instead of their training ground because of the thick snow that has blanketed the North East over the last seven days.
Bruce is hopeful the top-flight fixture will get the thumbs up and does not anticipate a problem providing the weather holds out in the coming days.
He said: "Obviously it's the surrounding areas and what comes within the next 24 hours. At the moment, there seems to be no problem with the stadium."
Battling the elements is something Bruce has had to get used to after a prolonged spell of cold weather also affected Sunderland badly last winter.
Worry
"Up in the North East I think we've had it worse than anybody else," he continued. "We've had it for the best part of eight days. We've trained at the stadium, we've had to. When there's two foot of snow, there's not much else you can do. "A lot of people have worked extremely hard to get the stadium ready and get the pitch ready. Of course your worry is about the pitch but it's bearing up well at the moment. "It does cause a problem up here. It certainly disrupted us all last year, we had something like six weeks of it. We're into a week now and the weather forecast isn't looking very good so we'll just have to do the best we can. "There's no question you can't prepare like you should do. And I'm sure the one thing we all try to do is make sure that the preparation is right. It's a vital part of it."
Defending
Sunderland will be looking to bounce back on Sunday following last weekend's disappointing 3-2 defeat by struggling Wolves. The loss of centre-back pairing Titus Bramble and Michael Turner to injury in the same week last month hit the Black Cats particularly hard, but Bruce does not want that to be an excuse. He said: "We're disappointed but the one area we've done particularly well in is, when we've had a disappointing result, we've bounced back from it, and w e need to go again. "It's a vital part of the season. We have to get over the loss of Turner and Bramble and defend better. If we do that, we know, with the attacking players we've got, that we'll be a threat."
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Behrami reveals player meeting
Hammers midfielder admits squad got together without Grant
Last updated: 3rd December 2010
SSN
Valon Behrami has revealed West Ham's squad held a meeting without manager Avram Grant ahead of their vital victory over Wigan last weekend.
The Hammers remain at the foot of the table despite their 3-1 success against the Latics, but are now within striking distance of a position of safety.
They followed up that Premier League triumph with a stunning 4-0 Carling Cup quarter-final success over previously unbeaten Manchester United to further lift spirits at Upton Park and ease the pressure which had been building on Grant's shoulders. And midfielder Behrami, who found the net against Wigan, explained how the players took it upon themselves to discuss their previously woeful start to the season without Grant in a bid to aid the Israeli.
"We talked as a team, because the manager did a lot of things for us. It was the moment to talk to each other face to face without the manager, because it's something that comes from us," he told the East London Advertiser. "The manager can give support, but there was a moment when we had to give something more. This is how important the team spirit is.
Important
"We needed this win. It was very important for the table and the spirit of the team. "There has been a long time where we didn't win and it was massively important to win this game. "But we know it has to only be the beginning, because now we need to come back for a lot of points still. We need to have the same mentality of this week." The next test for the Switzerland international and his team-mates is Sunday's trip to the Stadium of Light to tackle a Sunderland side yet to be beaten in front of their own supporters. "Every game is important, but Sunderland is one of the key matches, where we can turn our season, or come back," he added. "We are ready. If we keep this attitude and everybody works, I'm positive."
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Sunderland v West Ham preview
Black Cats aim to bounce back but history on Hammers' side
By Steve Pass Last updated: 3rd December 2010
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 1-2
SKY BET odds: Sunderland 5/6 Draw 5/2 West Ham 10/3
One to Watch: Darren Bent
LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Sunderland v West Ham
3.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports HD1, Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports 3D and online with Sky Player
Sunderland host West Ham in an intriguing clash at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, which is being shown live on Sky Sports. The Black Cats lost 3-2 to Wolves at Molineux last time, with this defeat ending a four-match unbeaten run, including the famous 3-0 win over Chelsea. That unbeaten run came after the 5-1 derby hammering at Newcastle and Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will be looking for his side to produce a similar response this time around. But it could be the right time to play the Black Cats given regular centre-halves Michael Turner and Titus Bramble are absent with injury. And recent history is on West Ham's side - they have lost only once in their last six visits to the Stadium of Light. Avram Grant's side won 2-1 at Sunderland in the Carling Cup earlier this season and go into their latest clash on a high. Firstly, the Hammers beat Wigan 3-1 in a 'Save Our Season' clash at Upton Park last Saturday, which pulled Grant's rock-bottom side to within three points of safety. Then West Ham pulled off a famous 4-0 win over Manchester United to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, inflicting a first defeat on the Red Devils this term.
Team news
Sunderland boss Bruce will be able to call on defender John Mensah for the clash with the Hammers. The Ghanaian returned ahead of schedule from a dislocated shoulder at Wolves last week but was forced off eight minutes from time after receiving a blow to the joint. Mensah's availability is particularly good news for Bruce because of the long-term injuries to Bramble and Turner (both knee). Fraizer Campbell also remains on the sidelines but midfielder David Meyler is in contention for the first time this season after recovering from a serious knee injury.
For the Hammers, talismanic skipper Scott Parker returns to the side for the trip north. Parker has been struggling with a chest infection and watched the midweek Carling Cup victory over United from the bench. Hammers boss Grant must decide whether to retain Parker's goalscoring replacement against United, Jonathan Spector, while cup-tied defender Lars Jacobsen returns.
Possible starting XIs
Sunderland: Gordon, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Onuoha, Zenden, Richardson, Henderson, Cattermole, Bent, Welbeck.
West Ham: Green, Upson, Jacobsen, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Behrami, Parker, Stanislas, Barrera, Piquionne, Obinna.
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Avram on the attack over Cole
The Sun
By JAMES CLARKE
Published: Today
WEST HAM boss Avram Grant will attempt to appease his moaning striker Carlton Cole by increasing his search for a new forwards' coach. The recent introduction to his back-room staff of the respected Wally Downes as defensive coach has been credited with a dramatic shift in confidence for the Premier League's rock bottom club. Three days after beating Wigan, the 4-0 Carling Cup win over Manchester United represented their biggest Upton Park victory over the North West giants for 80 years. Although he scored twice against United, Cole has had limited first-team options, with only one Premier League goal to his name this season. Following the 3-0 defeat by Liverpool last month, Cole criticised the choice of tactics which left him with little service up front.
But Grant has told Cole that the club are beginning to move in the right direction - and repeated his desire to keep the unhappy 27-year-old beyond the January transfer window. Grant said: "We are looking for an attacking coach. With Wally, I had a few weeks to interview people. Someone suggested Wally and I saw he was the good solution. He's done a good job. "We are looking for forward coaches but they're not easy to find. We don't want to rush. We need to find the right person for each position. "All my staff have the freedom to speak and they are - but the decision about everything is mine. I have a good team. The staff are not just good, but passionate to be better. "We are building something here and to beat Manchester United was a good step forward. "The players showed that they can do good things. This was very important for us. "Some players, when they don't perform well, are disappointed and they say some things - but this is kept within the club. "I don't deal with any players through the media. What I say to the players I say to them. For Carlton now the most important thing is that he scored two goals because he didn't start the season so well. "The last few weeks he has been working very hard. For a striker, the most important thing is to score goals - and I believe he will now score more. "The confidence he has will be good for him and the rest of the team. "We want him here. We want to keep this squad together. I don't want to sell him in the January transfer window because it's not easy to bring in new players. "We don't want to lose any players."
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Karren Brady's football diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Published: Today
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27
HOISTING distress signals in November may not always be helpful. In our case, it has been because the 'Save Our Season' flag brought an immediate response with a home win against Wigan. Fear of failure was in the air when I visited the training ground in the week. I know most of the people down there think they are not getting the points their performances warrant. But feeling sorry for yourself is the fastest way I know of going down the tubes.
Our boys do the business with a 3-1 victory - Valon Behrami, Victor Obinna and Scott Parker all on the scoresheet - to ease the pressure a bit.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28
DRAWN at home to Barnsley in the FA Cup third round, avoiding Paul's Burton Albion, thank goodness. That would have caused marital disharmony - also known as war - in the Peschisolido household. It's a long way to Wembley in May but I can't help thinking Avram Grant has got form in cups, reaching the Champions League final with Chelsea and the FA Cup final this year with Portsmouth. Today I hear news that UEFA is to consider in a few days' time whether FA Cup runners-up should automatically qualify for the Europa League if the winners have already qualified for Europe. It is a result, I'm sure, of our authorities' disallowing Pompey's entry because they were in administration. So we'll just have to win it.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29
OUT shopping today, I spot a snood which I had just learned is a cross between a scarf and a hood. "Didn't I see one of those around Carlos Tevez's neck?" I think to myself. Later I check a Man City video and, sure enough, he was. Now, I have to say that the Tevez neck is hardly his most attractive feature but as he once kept West Ham in the Premier League, I'll kindly refrain from explaining why. Let's just say that, in his case, I see why he wears it.
But what excuses do Emmanuel Adebayor or Marouane Chamakh have? Are they men or mice? Cold little mice who surely will soon also be seen with hoods up, earmuffs and carrying hot-water bottles in mittened hands. Should a snood appear around a West Ham player's neck I swear I'll rip it off with my own bare hands.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
OH what a night! I have to admit that since we took over West Ham, it has been bloody hard work. Tonight is different: tonight is when we beat Man U 4-0 and I'm not going to let the joy pass me by. I want to tell everyone about how Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole score two each, about the inspirational Luis Boa Morte, about the snow and red-nosed Fergie in his red woolly hat looking like a sleigh-operative for Santa. Alex McLeish texts: "Well done." I reply: "Good luck for tomorrow night in the derby. Perhaps meet you in the semis?"
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
BIRMINGHAM CITY fans are the most loyal, fervent and one-dimensional I have come across. They haven't had many moments and, when one comes along, as it does against Villa tonight, the more hot-headed tend to switch to Viking mode. They are doing so on the television right now, invading the pitch after their Carling Cup quarter-final win over local rivals Aston Villa. I can only feel sorry for the club - and Villa, too - because I know they have done their best, even having to pay enormous sums of money for the 500 policemen on duty. The outcome of the football is that we're due to play Blues in the semi-final home and away next month. I know the usual reaction is that survival in the Prem is far more important but I think that's ridiculous. There is plenty of room for both. West Ham in a cup final at the new Wembley. Now that would lift the winter spirits.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
FIFA's decision-making process is summed up by the choice of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. I know a carve-up when I see it. I can understand why Russia was selected for 2018 although the fact that England secured only two votes smacks of a calculated campaign of humiliation from the top. But Qatar? There's only one reason why a country infested by, according to Wikileaks, the Mafia should be followed by another covered in sand - and that's the power of Sepp Blatter. The FIFA president has his executive committee on a piece of string. When Russian PM Putin announced he wouldn't be in Zurich, you can be sure it was because Blatter told him it would be better that way. The message was simple: "Leave it to me, Vlad." The process has so little clarity or rationale and more staggeringly I'll be nearly 60 if we win the next available one. Only one consolation: We have the Premier League for the world's football fans to enjoy 40 weeks of every year. The World Cup happens once every four.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
OK, I'll beat you to it. Typical woman, you'll say. And why? On my visit to our Chadwell Heath training HQ I was stunned by the state of the place. I ordered a top-to-bottom three-day scouring to begin today. It was a mess of student-house proportions. I came over all matron-like, hands on hips, demanding if anyone's ever heard of Flash. There were plastic potted plants thick with dust, showers unfit for human occupation - my occupation, anyway - heaters blasting jungle-hot air on to dripping windows. Ugh. When the team returns, it'll be as scrubbed up as my kitchen.
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Parker fit to lead Hammers in Sunderland
Published 12:10 03/12/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham captain Scott Parker will return for their Barclays Premier League match at Sunderland. Parker has been struggling with a chest infection and watched the 4-0 Carling Cup victory over Manchester United in midweek from the bench. Manager Avram Grant must decide whether to retain Parker's goalscoring replacement against United, Jonathan Spector, while cup-tied defender Lars Jacobsen returns.
Team (from): Green, Gabbidon, Reid, Upson, Tomkins, Kovac, Behrami, Barrera, Jacobsen, Stanislas, Piquionne, Cole, Obinna, Stech, Spector, Boa Morte, Hines, McCarthy, Ben Haim, Faubert, Ilunga, Dyer, Parker.
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Piquionne: I have the Iron to save Hammers
Published 23:00 03/12/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Freddie Piquionne claims he is a "warrior" who will fight to ensure West Ham's survival. But the Frenchman insisted the Hammers are relaxed about propping up the Premier League as they have the quality to finish in the top 10. The striker, who joined from Portsmouth with Avram Grant in the summer, is West Ham's joint top scorer in the Premier League with four goals. But after only a few months in the East End, the former Lyon forward says he already knows finding the net is not what counts most for the fans. Piquionne, who turns 32 next week, said: "If you want to succeed here, you don't have a choice. You have to fight for your place. "When I arrived here, at the end of training, some supporters came to see me and said: 'It doesn't matter the number of goals you score, what we want is players who soak their shirts with sweat on the pitch. Players like that, we will always support'. They want warriors. I am one of those."
West Ham followed their first Premier League win in two months last weekend against Wigan with the 4-0 Carling Cup win over Manchester United. Next is Sunderland away. But Piquionne, who also scored in the Hammers's Carling Cup win at the Stadium of Light in September, said: "No-one is worried about last. We have a squad good enough to finish in the top ten."
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Grant fears West Ham will sell Cole
Published 17:35 03/12/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Avram Grant wants to keeps Carlton Cole, but is uncertain if he will still be at West Ham when the January transfer window closes. Cole has been linked with a £10million move to Liverpool, while Tottenham and Stoke are also reported to be interested in the England marksman. The financially-stricken Hammers are sure to cash in on their most bankable name and Grant admits the 27-year-old's Upton Park future is in doubt. "We want him to be here, but you never know what will happen in football. We want to keep this squad," he said. "I don't like the January transfer window, because it's not easy to bring players in and we don't want to lose players. We want to keep the same squad for all the season."
Cole was publicly critical of Grant's tactics after last month's 3-0 drubbing by Liverpool and the Israeli has dealt with the matter behind closed doors.
"Some players, when they don't perform well and are a little bit disappointed with themselves, say some things," said Grant. "But all of this is inside the club. I don't deal with any players through the media. What I have to say to the players, I say to them. "I like to speak with the players because when you speak with them face to face they tell you what they think and I tell them what I think. "But there is only one man who takes the decisions. "My relationship with all the players is good. I feel like they are my family. "Sometimes even if one of your family is not doing so well, you tell them not to do it again. "If it happens two or three times, then you need to think about things, but what we have to say to the players, we say it face to face."
Cole cut an imposing figure as he struck twice in the 4-0 Carling Cup triumph over West Ham on Tuesday night. "The most important thing is that he scored two goals because he didn't start the season so well," said Grant. "The last two weeks he's been working very hard and for a striker, the most important thing is to score goals. "He scored two goals and I believe he will score more."
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Grant: West Ham have turned the corner
Published 15:33 03/12/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Avram Grant has said West Ham's midweek goal hero Jonathan Spector is in line to keep his midfield place at Sunderland on Sunday. The American scored his first two goals in English football as the Hammers shocked holders Manchester United 4-0 in the Carling Cup. And with captain Scott Parker still battling the effects of a virus before the visit to the Stadium of Light, Hammers boss Grant hinted he would reward cup star Spector with a Premier League start.
"Every player that had a good performance now has a chance to play," said the Israeli. "It was the same when we made seven changes against Sunderland in the Carling Cup and won. We played better in the games after that. "I think competition is at the heart of sport. I certainly prefer this situation than at that start of the season when we had to look for 10 players to start a match."
After last weekend's home win over Wigan, Grant is now looking for a rare hat-trick of wins with the confidence returning to his side. "I think we have turned the corner," he claimed. "Psychologically it is important for the players. We have been playing well without getting the results. "Our play was better - we were more clinical in the box. But now the most important thing is the next match."
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December 3rd, 2010
Sunderland hosts West Ham for Game 16
By: Angela Poe
The Offside
It's a winter wonderland in Sunderland.
Usually about this time in the Premier League season injuries begin to plague every club due to extra cup games, international appearances and illness as the temperatures drop across the country. Snow has already cancelled one game this weekend and we anticipate postponements in the future, however our game this week will go on, as of now. So let's take a look at what to expect for this week's clash at the Stadium of Light:
First, Avram Grant has gone on record to say that following Jonathan Spector's display at the recent 4-nil slaughtering of Manchester United in Upton Park he's earned his place in the midfield. Scott Parker has taken the time to recover from his chest infection and he will be coming as well, so we'll have to see if he'll line them up side by side. Seeing as how Grant's 4-4-2 formation seems to be the one most recently selected, the front two look to be Piquionne and Cole although I would PREFER to go with the Obinna/Cole front two from the cup game. They seemed to work well together with Vic as the conduit between the attacking midfielder (Parker or Spector) and Cole or the winger (in our case LBM) and Cole. Vic's not afraid to challenge and push through a defender and we need that kind of forward-moving player up front. Also, Vic's great on the counter, but not if he's stuck too wide out on the wing.
The issue for me is, and I cannot believe I'm saying this, we have to select the best back four from our choices. Currently we have Upson, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Jacobsen, and Ben Haim all fit which is a great bunch to choose from when they are all on form. For me I'd like to have Jacobsen return at RB, Tomkins and Upson in the middle and Ben Haim on the left. While I love Gabsey, lately he's been giving away free kicks and penalties that have been near game-changers for us. We cannot afford to put him up against Bent and Welbeck and risk him making those same mistakes. Also, Darren Bent is ENORMOUS. If he's facing someone small, he's going to run right through him — whereas a more imposing figure like Ben Haim will hopefully be just the assistance Upson and Tonka need to make sure that left side is covered.
Valon Behrami is fit as well and if we're talking about Behrami or Barrera I would pick Behrami every time. At least for all his headless-chicken running-about he manages to slip a goal in here and there. Barrera has yet to make his mark and if we can I'd like to get rid of him as soon as possible. Lastly, I think LBM deserves a chance to show he can behave during a Premier League game. LBM is just the troublemaker we need to keep the Black Cats midfield busy so they cannot thread a pass to their capable strikers.
Of course, Robert Green will be in goal and given our record against Sunderland (we have only lost 1 in the last 11 meetings) and in the last seven games with them Green has kept a clean sheet. We have conceded more headers than ANY other Premier League team in the top flight (a high 35% of the goals we have let by have been headers!), so his challenge will be to make sure the towering 5′ 11" Bent doesn't want to take that percentage up a notch.
On the scoring side, Sunderland are without their Titus Bramble/Michael Turner CBs so they won't be feeling as confident in the box as usual, but Mensah is no slouch. Mensah is nursing that injury still and after a short start recently he'll be soft at least until his first 50/50. They are also likely to line-up 4-4-2, however Bruce's side will also be without Fraizer Campbell and possibly David Meyler. Gyan is available, but it's not probably he'll start. I would say the biggest concerns facing the Hammers are the often dangerous and sneaky challenges of Cattermole and retaining the lead once we get it as Sunderland have sometimes been a 2nd half or even added-time-scoring club.
So far we've been the only club to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this year (for the cup game) and we have not won a single away game since the OPENER of last season. I'm tired of writing that crummy statistic, so let's do what we've already done once this year THIS time taking 3 points back to East London. The snow seems to be our good luck charm, and goodness knows up north they have a LOT of it!
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West Ham concede Carlton Cole may be on his way in January
Striker almost joined Liverpool in August
Two goals in midweek was first double for eight years
Jamie Jackson
The Guardian, Friday 3 December 2010
Avram Grant has conceded that Carlton Cole may leave West Ham United in January, although the manager and the club are clear they want the striker to stay.
Cole, 27, signalled a return to form during the week by scoring twice in West Ham's impressive 4-0 win over Manchester United at Upton Park, which knocked the holders out of the Carling Cup. It was the first time he had scored two goals in a match for eight years, and they trebled his tally for the season.
Cole nearly moved to Liverpool on the final day of the summer window and the Merseyside club may try to buy him again in January. "We want to keep him but you never know in football what will happen," Grant said. "We want to keep the squad. I don't like so much the January transfer window because it's not easy to bring players so we don't want to lose players."
Had Cole's slow start to the season been a result of his being distracted by Liverpool in August? "I think he is always concentrating on West Ham and wants to do his job," Grant said. "In my opinion players always want to be good, even players [who might be moving] as they want to show that they have a good quality so I think there was focus [from him]. Sometimes there are good times and sometimes bad times."
Cole's season reached a nadir following West Ham's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool last month, when he subsequently described the performance as "diabolical" and questioned Grant's tactics.
He was then dropped to the bench for the following game, last weekend's important 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic. So how are things now between Grant and Cole? "My relationship with all the players is good and I like them like family," he said. "Sometimes if your family is not doing something good you tell them what you want and then you do it again. If it happens two or three times then you think things over."
West Ham are still bottom but know victory over Sunderland and losses for Wigan and Wolves would allow them to leapfrog to 18th position. Scott Parker, who was a reserve for the United match, has since been in full training and should start.
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Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand confident old club West Ham will avoid relegation
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has expressed confidence that his old club will avoid relegation ahead of a reunion with former colleagues at Sunderland on Sunday.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Rob Stewart 11:59PM GMT 03 Dec 2010
Sunderland centre-half Ferdinand had the misfortune of being in the last West Ham side to be relegated from the Premier League seven years ago but is adamant that Avram Grant's current team have what it takes to avoid the drop despite being bottom of the league. "After we come off the pitch on a Saturday, that's probably the first result I look for and then the Manchester United game, obviously, because of my brother, Rio. I always want to know how they're doing and I'd never want to see them going down," Ferdinand said. "It's a club that deserves it's place in the Premier League, with the history it's got, the fans, the players it produces for England. They're a good set of fans. I wouldn't like to see the club go down. To be honest with you, I can't see it anyway.
"I know it's a cliche and I know that the team that went down had the likes of Paolo Di Canio, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Les Ferdinand, Glen Johnson and people like that and I know you can never be 'too good' to go down, I think with the players they've got - Scott Parker, Carlton Cole, Robert Green and Mark Noble - I just can't see it happening. "West Ham are still close to my heart, so I'm delighted for them that they beat Man U in the Carling Cup. But when Sunday comes it doesn't matter, you know, I've got a job to do and I'll be focused on getting three points for Sunderland."
Ferdinand, who joined Sunderland from West Ham in an £8 million deal two years ago, will get a chance to prove himself to manager Steve Bruce against his old colleagues. "At the start of the season I didn't know whether I was coming or going but my thought process was that I was never going to leave this club," Ferdinand added. "I was making sure I was fit for the start of the season, then I had the hamstring injury and then I had a bust up with the manager, an argument, and then we sorted out our differences. He was man enough to bury the hatchet and so was I. I'd like to thank him for that, because not many managers would have done it. I owe a lot to him for that."
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