Manchester City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of West Ham United's game at Manchester City
26.04.2013
MANCHESTER CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2013
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: HOWARD WEBB
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
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Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Manchester City on Saturday looking to extend a five-match unbeaten run which has seen them move back into the top half of the Barclays Premier League.
• Wins over West Bromwich Albion (3-1) and Wigan Athletic (2-0), along with draws against Liverpool (0-0), Southampton (1-1) and Manchester United (2-2) have pushed the Hammers up to tenth, with 42 points from 34 games..
• Manchester City's title ambitions came to a premature end last weekend when their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur coupled with Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Aston Villa left them 16 points adrift of their cross-city rivals, with just five fixtures remaining.
• Roberto Mancini's men have an FA Cup final against Wigan Athletic on the horizon, following a semi-final victory over Chelsea at Wembley, and are currently second in the league table.
• West Ham United's biggest victories over Manchester City both came in the same season - 1962/63. A 6-1 home Division One success on 18 May 1963 was preceded by victory by the same margin in the away fixture on 8 September 1962.
• This is the 94th meeting between the two sides. West Ham United have come out on top on 35 occasions with 16 draws, while Manchester City have won 42.
• West Ham United's most-recent league win over Manchester City came on 1 March 2009, when a Jack Collison strike gave the Hammers a 1-0 Premier League win. Since then, City have won three of the five league meetings, with two draws.
• The referee for Saturday's game is Howard Webb, who was also the man in the middle for the most-recent clash between the two sides on November 3 2012. Webb also refereed the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final at Wembley, when West Ham United beat Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley to secure promotion.
Team news
• Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will still be without defenders George McCartney and James Tomkins with injury, but Joe Cole returned to the first team squad for last weekend's victory over Wigan Athletic, after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
• Manchester City have David Silva, Sergio Aguero and James Milner available again following hamstring injuries. Jack Rodwell could also return, but defenders Maicon and Micah Richards are both out.
Last time out
Saturday 20 April 2013
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Wigan Athletic
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien, O'Neil (Noble 52), Diame (Collison 75), Nolan, Vaz Te (J.Cole 62), Carroll, Jarvis
Subs not used: Henderson, C.Cole, Taylor, Pogatetz
Goals: Jarvis 21, Nolan 80
Sunday 21 April 2013
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Manchester City
Manchester City: Hart, Clichy (Lescott 89), Kompany, Zabaleta, Nastasic, Y.Toure, Milner (Kolarov 46), Barry, Nasri, Tevez, Dzeko (Sinclair 83)
Subs not used: Pantilimon, K.Toure, Garcia, Aguero
Goals: Nasri 5
Previous meeting
West Ham United continued their fine start to life back in the Barclays Premier League with a 0-0 draw against Manchester City on 3 November. Kevin Nolan had a goal controversially ruled out for offside to deny the Hammers a famous win. They would, however, be satisfied with a battling performance which yielded a positive result and halted a run of three consecutive City victories in the league.
Manchester City: Hart, K.Toure, Clichy, Kompany, Nastasic, Y.Toure, Barry, Nasri (Sinclair 89), Tevez (Garcia 84), Balotelli (Aguero 69), Dzeko
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Collins (Spence 84), Benayoun, Noble, Jarvis, Diame (O'Neil 72), Nolan, Carroll (C.Cole 78)
Last six meetings (Barclays Premier League unless stated)
3 November 2012 - West Ham United 0-0 Manchester City
1 May 2011 - Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United
11 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
9 May 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Manchester City
29 Sept 2009 - Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United
1 March 2009 - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
Overall record v Manchester City (all competitions) W 35 D 16 L 42
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
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 Division One 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Division One)
Manchester City
2011/12 Premier League 1st (89 points - champions)
2010/11 Premier League 3rd (71 points)
2009/10 Premier League 5th (67 points)
2008/09 Premier League 10th (50 points)
2007/08 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2006/07 Premier League 14th (42 points)
2005/06 Premier League 15th (43 points)
2004/05 Premier League 8th (52 points)
2003/04 Premier League 16th (41 points)
2002/03 Premier League 9th (51 points)
Referee
• The referee for Saturday's game is Howard Webb.
• Webb was the man in the middle for the most-recent clash between the two sides on 3 November 2012. He also refereed the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final at Wembley, when West Ham United beat Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley to secure promotion.
• He took charge of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Holland in South Africa.
• Webb began officiating in Yorkshire in 1989. He took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match as a referee in October 2003 and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a host of high-profile fixtures.
• Webb also refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA Trophy final and 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, as well as taking charge of his first UEFA Champions League match in 2006. The former police officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and was selected as England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the first match of the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D fixture between Greece and eventual champions Spain.
Old boys
• Carlos Tevez scored seven goals in 29 appearances during the 2006/07 season, helping West Ham United to stave off relegation from the Barclays Premier League by scoring the winner in a 1-0 final-day success at Manchester United. The Argentina striker has netted 74 goals in 140 games since joining Manchester City in July 2009.
• Richard Wright signed for West Ham United in July 2007 following his release by Everton. The goalkeeper did not make a first-team appearance for the Hammers and, after being loaned to Southampton in March 2008, joined Ipswich Town in July of the same year.
• Other players to have turned out for both clubs include Tal Ben Haim, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge, Ian Bishop, James Cumming, Justin Fashanu, Marc-Vivien Foe, Kevin Horlock, David James, Patrick Leonard, Steve Lomas, Trevor Morley, John Payne, Stuart Pearce, Trevor Sinclair, Paulo Wanchope and Mark Ward.
• Former West Ham United centre-back Malcolm Allison joined Manchester City as assistant manager in 1965. Under the guidance of Allison and manager Joe Mercer, the club enjoyed a sustained period of success, winning the Division One title in 1968, the FA Cup in 1969 and both the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970. After taking over from Mercer in 1971, Allison resigned in March 1973, later returning to Maine Road for a second spell in charge between 1979 and 1980.
• Allison's former West Ham United team-mate John Bond took charge of Manchester City following Allison's departure in October 1983, remaining in charge until February 1983.
• One-time West Ham United left-back Stuart Pearce took charge of Manchester City between March 2005 and May 2007.
General information
• Tickets for West Ham United supporters are no longer available for this fixture
• Visiting supporters to the Etihad Stadium should be aware that there is no street parking available around the stadium. Anyone parking in the residents' parking zone will be clamped and/or fined. Supporters are advised to use the Manchester City FC Accredited Car Parks around the Stadium, where matchday parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Alternatively, supporters are advised to use public transport wherever possible. The Etihad Stadium is around 20 minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station, or there are frequent shuttle buses operating two and from the Stadium.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is for a mixture of sunshine and showers with a maximum temperature of 10C..
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Ten clean sheets and counting
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen already has ten shutouts to his name but isn't planning on stopping there
27.04.2013
There were landmarks aplenty to celebrate after last Saturday's Barclays Premier League win over Wigan Athletic, not least surpassing the 40 point mark.
Kevin Nolan bagged his 100th career goal and West Ham United proudly took their place in the top ten of the top tier. But for Jussi Jaaskelainen, there was a tenth shutout of the season to enjoy, a target set before a ball had even been kicked. While the Finnish stopper has, in fact, made more saves than any other top-flight 'keeper this season, he knows only too well that his achievements owe much to those in front of him. He told West Ham TV: "It's my job but it's more like a team effort when we get those clean sheets. Before we started the season, we wanted to get around ten clean sheets, because we knew that was going to help us to stay in the league and that's what we've done now. "We've got four big games coming up and hopefully we can keep around that tenth place, which would be a good finish for us. It is nice [to be able to look upwards], but it's not over yet and we don't want to relax yet."
Jaaskelainen is hopeful that expectation on Manchester City's shoulders could work in the Hammers' favour, much as it did against the champions Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. After all, the Citizens were unable to breach the West Ham goal when the sides met in November and so Jussi has every reason to be confident. "Manchester City have been in unbelievable form over the last couple of seasons, especially at home," he added. "It's going to be a tough place to go. It's going to be a similar game as we played against Manchester United, in that we don't really have any pressure on ourselves. We just go there and try to get something out of the game."
An away day of this sort might have inspired dread some weeks ago, but first-class displays at Stoke City, Liverpool and Southampton suggest Sam Allardyce's men are well on their way to curing the travel sickness. And West Ham's No22 insists confidence is sky high after those solid displays on the road. "I think we've seen [in recent weeks] the way we want to play away from home and how we play to get points, because at the end of the day it's all about performances and points. I think if you look at the season overall, our away form has been a little disappointing but the last few games have given us loads of confidence to go to Manchester City and hopefully do well."
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Six of the best - Manchester City
WHUFC.com
A look back into the archives at six classic victories away to Manchester City
27.04.2013
West Ham United travel to Manchester City this weekend in the hope of extending their five-match unbeaten Barclays Premier League run. It is, of course, a big ask against a side that have lost just once at home in the league all season and have an FA Cup final on the horizon. For the Hammers, meanwhile, you have to go back to 2006 to find their last success at Eastlands, with just a solitary stalemate to show from their six subsequent visits. But fear not, West Ham have enjoyed many a happy away day against the Citizens and we guide you through the best of them.
Monday 20 March 2006
FA Cup sixth round
Manchester City 1-2 West Ham United
A memorable evening at Eastlands seven years ago saw Dean Ashton strike in either half to book West Ham United's place in the last four of the FA Cup.
With four minutes of the first half to play, the former Norwich City man off a stylish move, skipping past Sylvain Distain before slamming home at David James' near post. After Sun Jihai had seen red for an injudicious swing at Matthew Etherington, Alan Pardew's men doubled their advantage in the 69th minute. As a stricken Christian Dailly lay on the touchline, Nigel Reo-Coker dispossessed Kiki Mussampa in his own half, enabling Yossi Benayoun to square for Ashton, who had the simplest of tasks to slot home. The travelling Hammers were to endure a nervy final few minutes, when Mussampa volleyed past Shaka Hislop, but they would cling on to set up a semi-final date at Villa Park against Middlesbrough.
Sunday 27 April 2003
Premier League
Manchester City 0-1 West Ham United
Under the temporary stewardship of Sir Trevor Brooking, West Ham stepped up their valiant fight against the drop. Five points adrift of safety prior to kick-off, with just three games to play, the Hammers' plight was a desperate one. But with this win came fresh hope, albeit with the streakiest of goals just nine minutes before the end. A Joe Cole free-kick was prodded goalwards by Don Hutchison, only for 'keeper Peter Schmeichel to divert the ball onto the post. It trickled back across the goal-line, allowing second-half substitute Frederic Kanoute to gleefully tap home his fifth of an injury-ravaged campaign. Despite taking four further points from their last two encounters, West Ham were relegated with a record-high 42 points.
Sunday 25 January 1998
FA Cup fourth round
Manchester City 1-2 West Ham United
Harry Redknapp's West Ham avoided a potential cup upset at Maine Road, against a Manchester City side then battling against relegation to the third tier.
Though Eyal Berkovic put the Hammers in front, Georgi Kinkladze's brilliant individual effort put the skids under the visitors. The Georgian midfielder slalomed through West Ham's rearguard, before beating Craig Forrest, via the inside of the far post. It might have got a whole lot worse, but Uwe Rosler skied his spot-kick over the bar, after Steve Potts had been penalised. With the tie in the balance, it swung decisively in the Hammers' favour with quarter-of-an-hour to play, when former City employee Steve Lomas fired hard and low through a crowded penalty area to send West Ham into the last 16.
Saturday 21 March 1970
Division One
Manchester City 1-5 West Ham United
West Ham's trip to Maine Road proved to be one of few highlights in a rather drab top-flight campaign in 1970. Little more than three months earlier, the Hammers had been thumped 4-0 at home to City, so this resounding success was hardly on the cards. In fact, Ron Greenwood's men had not even scored in their previous two outings, so five goals were very welcome indeed. On the day, Geoff Hurst and debutant Jimmy Greaves both scored twice, while Ronnie Boyce also got on the scoresheet with his only goal of the season. Normal service was resumed a week later, with a goalless draw at Crystal Palace, as West Ham finished the season down in 17th.
Wednesday 7 September 1966
Division One
Manchester City 1-4 West Ham United
After starting the campaign in wretched fashion, this comprehensive win was just the tonic for Ron Greenwood. The Hammers had lost their first three league outings and drawn the following two prior to a trip to Manchester. Fortunately, victory here would well and truly kick-start the club's season, with two wins and two draws in the next four helping the Hammers to clamber clear of the trouble at the wrong end of the table. Much like in 1970, Geoff Hurst was at the double here once more, while Boyce and John Sissons weighed in with goals of their own.
Saturday 8 September 1962
Division One
Manchester City 1-6 West Ham United
West Ham had been on the wrong end of a 6-1 thumping at home to Tottenham Hotspur just two weeks prior to this jaunt to Maine Road. Just a win and a draw in the club's first six league fixtures saw the Hammers lying in a precarious 21st place. But there was clearly no shortage of confidence on this occasion, as no fewer than five different players hit the back of the net. Martin Peters, Tony Scott, Johnny Byrne and Geoff Hurst all scored, while Malcolm Musgrove celebrated a brace. Astonishingly, the sides met again on the final day, with West Ham running out 6-1 winners for the second time that season.
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On this day - 27 April
WHUFC.com
A look back at a West Ham United victory over Manchester City on this day in 2003
27.04.2013
Classic match
Manchester City 0-1 West Ham United
Premier League
27 April 2003
As the Hammers prepare for a trip to Manchester City this afternoon, they can look back on a victory at their former Maine Road home on this day a decade ago. The Londoners were in grave relegation danger when they made this trek north, with City better off in mid-table. A win over Middlesbrough the previous week had given West Ham hope, and they were to keep their prospects of retaining their top flight status alive with this three-point haul. Frederic Kanoute came off the bench to notch the only goal of the game with nine minutes remaining. Though the Hammers - under the temporary charge of Trevor Brooking - would go on to win at home to Chelsea a week later, then record a final-day 2-2 draw at Birmingham City, they would be relegated on goal difference with the unusually-high total of 42 points.
Complete record - 27 April
2003 Manchester City 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2002 Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1996 Queens Park Rangers 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1994 West Ham United 1-2 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
1991 Blackburn Rovers 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1985 West Ham United 0-0 Luton Town (Division One)
1974 West Ham United 2-2 Liverpool (Division One)
1971 Southampton 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1968 Sheffield United 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1963 West Ham United 1-2 Everton (Division One)
1957 Liverpool 1-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1935 Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1929 Sunderland 4-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 13, Won 3, Drawn 2, Lost 8, Scored 13, Conceded 25
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Development Squad 2-1 Liverpool FT
WHUFC.com
First-half goals from Ben Marlow and Elliot Lee seal a 2-1 win for the Development Squad
26.04.2013
WEST HAM UNITED v LIVERPOOL
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE ELITE GROUP STAGE
FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2013
KICK-OFF: 7PM
REFEREE: MICHAEL GEORGE
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Final score - West Ham United U21s 2-1 Liverpool U21s
95 mins - We've almost played the allotted five, as Morgan engineers a shooting opportunity at the near post, but his drive flashes just high of the angle of post and bar. There goes the final whistle and it's relief for the Hammers, who wrap up their fourth win of the Elite Group. It got nervy towards the end but I think the Hammers were well worthy of the three points this evening. Next up for the Hammers, is a trip to Southampton, next Thursday, with their hopes of a top three finish still alive and kicking.
94 mins - Anywhere will do now for the Hammers, as Pelly Ruddock hacks clear. It inevitably comes straight back and there are hearts in mouths as a low drive careers into the side netting.
92 mins - A second swap here for the hosts, as Maguire makes way for Nathan Mavila. The Irishman receives a warm hand as he departs, from a crowd who have clearly enjoyed his efforts this evening.
90 mins - I'm afraid to say we've got five extra minutes here and I dare say it's going to feel like a whole lot longer for those in claret and blue out there. There's not a soul in the Liverpool half now, as the visitors push for a late leveller.
88 mins - Meanwhile, Nick Haycock makes his first switch of the night, with Frazer Shaw replacing Elliot Lee. The can't stem the tide, however, as Petersson surges to the by-line, but Pelly Ruddock sticks out a leg to intercept.
85 mins - From absolutely nowhere, we now have a grandstand finish on our hands. Unsurprisingly, it's Liverpool doing all the pressing and Morgan is adamant that Liverpool should have a second penalty. His protestations are vociferous but all he gets for his troubles is a booking.
82 mins - Goal. Adorjan steps up himself and sends Baxter the wrong way, slotting into the corner, to the left of Baxter. Curiously, one young Liverpool fan decides to run onto the field of play, sprinting the length of the field, before being challenged by stewards. Not his wisest decision, it's fair to say.
80 mins - Difficult to envisage a Liverpool revival here, but West Ham are taking absolutely nothing for granted as they continue to scrap for everything. Commentator's curse. Adorjan goes to ground under a challenge from Spence and referee Michael George obliges, pointing to the spot.
78 mins - Substitue Jack Dunn crosses from the right and Baxter opts to punch clear. It's a good decision, seeing as he makes good contact and the Hammers clear their lines.
75 mins - Just quarter of an hour left to play here and though Liverpool continue to press, it's all in front of West Ham's two banks of four. Another Liverpool attack broken up and Moncur comes away with it and is really unlucky to see his through ball hit the heels of Maguire. West Ham's No8 picks it up once more but can't pick out Elliot Lee on the far side.
72 mins - Driver and Bywater play it neatly between them, with Bywater whipping in a cross to the far post. Lee looks favourite at first glance but is just edged out of it in the end.
70 mins - There's just shy of 500 in this evening and yet they're making a right royal racket beneath me in the Alpari Stand Lower.
68 mins - What a passage of play that was. Spence brings it clear and pings a 40-yard ball in the direction of Maguire. His majestic ball bisects the two defenders and Maguire is able to chest it down. Unfortunately, it just gets away from him and Gulacsi collects.
67 mins - There's a brief stoppage here as Driver yelps in pain thanks to Adorjan's robust-looking challenge.With the help of physio Tom Smith, Driver is soon back to his feet and Morgan returns the ball to Sam Baxter.
65 mins - The visitors look certain to score, but for a brilliant intervention from Dan Potts. Teixeira has a clear sight of goal for a moment, before Pottsy gets his body in the way, to block and gets a well-earned congratulatory pat on the back from Baxter.
63 mins - Liverpool have certainly looked more threatening since the break and here's a case in point. Adorjan hares after a clever ball down the inside left channel, but Spence is on hand to prevent any further damage with a strong block.
60 mins - Moncur and Lee combine again, with the former driving with real intent towards the penalty area. He rolls it into the path of Lee, who, on his left foot, can only blast over.
59 mins - The Hammers are defending pretty deep here, but it works, as Craig Roddan's cross is cut-out at the near post. It leads to a West Ham breakaway led by Maguire himself. Moncur picks up the pieces and slides it to Lee, whose low drive is never really threatening the far corner.
56 mins - Liverpool's bright start prompts the first change of the evening, as Nacho makes way for Jack Dunn. It's West Ham, however, who have the ball and Spence looks long for Maguire. The Irishman, as ever, is a willing runner and sees his cross blocked, earning the Hammers another corner. It reaches Maguire at the far stick, who cuts inside before letting fly, but once again there's a Liverpool body in the way. Make no mistake, Maguire looks lively.
54 mins - It's all Liverpool here. Petersson crosses for Adorjan, but he can't apply a telling touch, as his attempted volley rolls right across goal. Seconds later, Teixeira spots Baxter off his line and goes for glory from 30 yards plus. In fairness, it's a decent effort but still balloons well over the frame of the goal.
51 mins - Testing times these for West Ham. Adam Morgan's shot from the edge of the box is deflected off Jordan Spence and Sam Baxter has to readjust to make a smart stop. He then gets back to his feet in an instant ti block the follow-up as well. Excellent goalkeeping from the young man.
49 mins - Petersson bursts into the box, but takes a touch too many and can't prevent the ball from going behind. Frustration all round for Liverpool.
47 mins - As it turns out that's a precursor to a Liverpool flurry, as Teixeira's drive is deflected behind for a corner. The set-piece cannons around the Hammers box, before a strike on goal is skewed well wide. The Reds have it all to do but they're clearly not going to go down without a scrap.
46 mins - Here we go again and West Ham are straight back into their stride. Bywater sends it in from the right and Maguire does hsi very best to connect, but it's fractionally behind him and so he can only really help it on its way.
45+1 mins - West Ham are straight up the other end and work it out to Bywater on the wing. His cross lands at the feet of Moncur, but is well blocked and Gulacsi is able to fly off his line and smother. At the other end, Liverpool have half-hearted shouts for a penalty, as the ball cannons into a West Ham chest but referee Michael George is having none of it. That's half time and we'll be back with you shortly.
45 mins - We're winding down here to the whistle and as Baxter lumps upfield, the fourth official indicates an additional two minutes. The Reds have one last attack but make a right hash of it, as Flanagan turns down the opportunity to cross, opting instead to pass it backwards to precisely no one.
43 mins - Long way back now for Liverpool, who, in truth, have been underwhelming thus far. They're pretty in possession but that's about it. Dare I say it, West Ham look comfortable.
39 mins - GOAL! I said Lee looked like he was in the mood and so he is. The ball ricochets into his path, he turns to leave Stephen Sama on his backside and needs no invitation to shoot, curling delightfully into the far corner. Fabulous finish and the Hammers are well on their way to three precious points.
37 mins - Jon Flanagan brings it forward down this right-hand side and though Lletget is in close attention, he's still able to fling a ball into the centre. Not for the first time, Adorjan wins it cleanly in the air, but, much to his anguish, can't direct his header on target.
34 mins - Back come West Ham through Moncur who cleverly plays in Lletget. Unfortunately, the American Under-23 international can't quite take it in his stride and it's out for a goal-kick. First-class approach play all the same.
32 mins - Liverpool's No10 Adorjan is alllowed to carry the ball an anwfu long way, but loses control at the vital moment and it squirms behind for a goal-kick. Baxter rolls it out to Ruddock, but his backpass has too much on it and he gifts the visitors a corner. The resulting set-piece is worked out to Teixeira, who drills one goalward and Bxter does well to palm it behind.
29 mins - First class control there from Marlow, who has two Liverpool players in close proximity, but outfoxes them both with a delicious first touch. The goal, no doubt, has done his confidence no harm whatever. Elsewhere, the linesman in front of me is in business, as another black shirt strays into an offside position.
27 mins - With four goals in the Elite Group Stage already, Elliot Lee clearly fances his chances of adding to that tally this evening. He lets fly from 25 yards out but the end result is not the prettiest, as the ball boys behind the goal, rather than the keeper, are called upon once more.
25 mins - If I'm not mistaken, Sam Baxter in the West Ham goal is yet to make a save of any note. That said, Joao Teixeria is twisting and turning in the Hammers penalty area but just as he's about to take aim, he loses his feet and goes to ground.
23 mins - Midway through the first half here and it's so far, so good. Liverpool continue to concede free-kicks and based on what we've seen so far, they do so at their peril. This time Moncur pings one into the mixer and though it's only half cleared to Lletget, his side-footed effort clears the bar by some distance.
21 mins - Another set piece for Nick Haycock's men and it very nearly brings a second goal. Kieran Bywater floats in a free-kick and Pelly Ruddock climbs highest in the box. For a moment it looks to be nestling in the far corner, but drifts just wide of the post.
20 mins - The danger is not yet over, as Nacho swings in a corner from the left. Adorjan gets a run on his marker at the near post but heads wastefully over the bar. This is some spectacle already.
17 mins - End to end stuff here. Firstly, Lee receives the ball on the left-hand side of the box and though his shot is straight at Gulacsi, he juggles it before collecting at the second attempt. Seconds later and Liverpool have a break on. Or so we think, as skipper Callum Driver makes not one but three fine challenges to snuff out the danger. Brave and brilliant from Driver.
15 mins - Back to the action and Elliot Lee plays a neat reverse ball into Sean Maguire. The Irishman, making just his second start, fizzes an inviting centre across goal, but it's narrowly behind those in the box.
14 mins - West Ham scored all three of their goals from set-pieces up in Liverpool and it has taken just 11 minutes here, for that same pourous defence to be breached. Just to remind you, the Hammers have to win this evening to stand any chance whatever of progressing into the semi-finals.
11 mins - GOAL! Out of nothing, West Ham have their noses in front. Moncur's corner from the left is a deep one and Gulacsi gets sucked under the flight of the ball. Ben Marlow is the grateful recipient, as he can barely believe his luck, nodding downward before the ball bounces into the roof of the net. I'd hazard a guess that Marlow hasn't scored too many headers in his short career. Great start for the Hammers.
9 mins - A first noteworthy attack from Liverpool here, as Nacho crosses from the right, with Kristoffer Petersson sniffing around in the box. The latter is caught offside, but that's a warning for the hosts nonetheless.
6 mins - Meanwhile, the Hammers win a free-kick in a central area, some 25 yards from goal. As is often the case, George Moncur takes charge, but his strike is curled straight into the arms of visiting stopper Peter Gulacsi, who, incidentally, spent last season on loan at npower Championship side Hull City.
5 mins - A half chance there for the hosts as Seb Lletget digs out a cross on the right. Sean Maguire is hovering ominously at the near post, but isn't able to get any purchase on a flicked header, as it continues on its path across the six-yard box.
3 mins - Liverpool are seeing more of the ball in these opening exchanges but have barely entered the final third as yet. If this is anything like the reverse fixture, a 3-3 draw at Melwood, then I suggest you stick around.
1 mins - It's Liverpool who get us off and underway, decked out in their predominantly black away number. The visitors are attacking the goal to my right in this first half, towards the Bobby Moore Stand.
18:57pm - No shortage of early drama here as my attempts to read out the teams on the PA system go down a storm. Never mind. Anywho, here come the teams in front of what is, a modest crowd, it has to be said. They are noisy enough, mind.
18:40pm - The teams are in and for the Hammers, Dan Potts and Jordan Spence are back in the mix, while Under-18 regular Ben Marlow comes in for Blair Turgott.
West Ham United U21s: Baxter, Driver, Potts, Marlow, Ruddock, Spence, Bywater, Moncur, Lee, S Maguire, Lletget
Subs: Shaw, Nemrava, Miles, Mavila, Burke
Liverpool U21s: Gulacsi, Flanagan, Roddan, Sama, Jones, Lussey, Nacho, Teixeira, Morgan, Adorjan, Petersson
Subs: Bijev, Ward, Mukendi, J Maguire, Dunn
A very good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for this evening's Barclays Under-21 Premier League Elite Group fixture between West Ham United and Liverpool.
For Nick Haycock's side, nothing other than victory will suffice to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the competition's semi-finals.
Runaway leaders Tottenham Hotspur are already assured of their place, while the second and third-placed teams will also progress to the latter stages.
The Hammers are currently seven points behind this evening's visitors, who sit third and a further point adrift of Manchester United.
Tonight's clash is the Hammers' last at home, with rescheduled trips to both West Bromwich Albion and Southampton still to come.
Indeed, this is the Development Squad's final chance to record victory at the Boleyn Ground, having earlier drawn against Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham's second string are bidding for a second win in as many outings, thanks to last Friday's 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Rush Green, their first in the Elite Group since February 8.
We will have team news for you as and when we get it, while there will be live text updates as of tonight's 7pm kick-off.
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Morley hails Hammers return
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United striker Trevor Morley has been impressed with the Hammers this season
27.04.2013
Former West Ham United striker Trevor Morley will be keeping a keen eye on Saturday's game at Manchester City, as the Eastlands club are one of his former employers too. Morley moved to the Boleyn Ground in December 1989 after notching 21 goals in 82 goals for the Citizens. He continued to be prolific in claret and blue, scoring 70 goals for the club in a five-and-a-half year spell and, now working as a television pundit in Norway, has been impressed with the Hammers' form on their return to the Barclays Premier League this season. He told whufc.com: "It's a big one on Saturday. City have lost the title so they'll be desperate to get a win, and of course West Ham are looking to finish in the top ten. "They'll want to kick on. The away form has been not as good as the home form, but it's all to play for. "It would be a brilliant achievement for West Ham to finish in the top ten for their first season back in the Premier League. "When you think back to the Play-Off final and the fine margins there - it was a 50-50 game on the day - to come up and be top ten, with how strong the Premier League is, is an excellent return. "They've picked up wins when they've needed to. They're on a good little run at the moment, and the home form has been superb, so it's been a more than satisfying season."
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Who is your Hammer of the Year?
WHUFC.com
It is time to cast your votes for the 2012/13 West Ham United Player Awards in aid of the Academy!
26.04.2013
Who is your 2012/13 Hammer of the Year? It is time for you, our loyal West Ham United supporters, to decide. Will Mark Noble's midfield prowess see him retain the award? Will Winston Reid's defensive strength and consistency win the day? Has Mohamed Diame's non-stop running done enough to win your vote? If not, maybe captain Kevin Nolan's leadership, Jussi Jaaskelainen's flying saves or Andy Carroll's towering performances have caught your eye? Whoever you choose, every vote counts for the 2012/13 Hammer of the Year award - one of eleven awards being presented at the star-studded Player Awards in aid of the Academy at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane on Wednesday 8 May.
There, West Ham legend Billy Bonds MBE - a four-time Hammer of the Year himself - will be presented with the club's first-ever Lifetime Achievement award.
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE will pick the winner of the Young Hammer of the Year and Academy Player of the Year, while the Hammers' top goalscorer will also receive an award. Carlton Cole has won the latter in each of the previous four seasons, but faces stiff competition this time around from the likes of Nolan and Carroll. Meanwhile, Sam Allardyce's squad will get the opportunity to vote for their own Players' Player of the Season. The winners of the remaining six awards will be picked by you! To help you to choose, whufc.com have selected the following nominees:
Goal of the Season
Mohamed Diame v Arsenal (H), Barclays Premier League, 6 October 2012 - Mohamed Diame opened his account for West Ham United with an outstanding strike against Arsenal on 6 October 2012. The midfielder collected a pass before spinning and nutmegging Aaron Ramsey before curling an unstoppable shot high into Vito Mannone's top corner.
Modibo Maiga (pictured) v Southampton (H), Barclays Premier League, 20 October 2012 - Mali forward Modibo Maiga netted his first Barclays Premier League goal for the club in spectacular style, holding off Maya Yoshida before cutting inside Jose Fonte and bending a shot high past Artur Boruc and inside the far post with his left foot.
Jack Collison v Arsenal (A), Barclays Premier League, 23 January 2013 - Jack Collison netted his first goal of the 2012/13 season with an unstoppable left-foot half volley at Emirates Stadium. The midfielder smashed West Ham United in front after controlling Olivier Giroud's clearing header on thigh and firing past Wojciech Szczesny.
Gary O'Neil v West Bromwich Albion (H), Barclays Premier League, 30 March 2013 - Gary O'Neil netted his first Barclays Premier League goal for the club in stunning fashion, curling home from 20 yards following a lightning-quick counter-attack involving Matt Jarvis and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Andy Carroll v West Bromwich Albion (H), Barclays Premier League, 30 March 2013 - Andy Carroll proved beyond any doubt that he has the ability of an international centre forward by expertly volleying James Collins' dropping free-kick past Ben Foster with his weaker right foot.
Mohamed Diame v Manchester United (H), Barclays Premier League, 17 April 2013 - The Senegal midfielder curled in an unstoppable shot to put the Hammers in front following superb build-up play down the right flank involving Guy Demel and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Best Individual Performance
Mohamed Diame v Chelsea (H), Barclays Premier League, 1 December 2012 - He may have been on the pitch for just 45 minutes, but half-time substitute Mohamed Diame turned the game in West Ham United's favour, scoring the Hammers' second goal in an outstanding 3-1 victory.
Mark Noble v Norwich City (H), Barclays Premier League, 1 January 2013 - The reigning Hammer of the Year scored one goal from the penalty spot and set up the other for Joey O'Brien as West Ham United started the New Year in happy fashion against Norwich City.
James Collins v Manchester United (H), FA Cup with Budweiser third round, 5 January 2013 - Wales international defender James Collins proved to be clinical in front of goal in an enthralling FA Cup third-round meeting with Manchester United, heading two Joe Cole crosses past David De Gea.
Jussi Jaaskelainen v Tottenham Hotspur (H), Barclays Premier League, 25 February 2013 - Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen can have had few better games in his career than the one he produced against Tottenham Hotspur - a performance highlighted by amazing stops from Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Bale.
Andy Carroll (pictured) v West Bromwich Albion (H), Barclays Premier League, 30 March 2013 - The big centre forward enjoyed his finest game in a West Ham United shirt to fire the Hammers to a valuable 3-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion, nodding in Gary O'Neil's corner before netting an audacious volley from James Collins' free-kick.
Best Team Performance
West Ham United 3-0 Fulham, Barclays Premier League, 1 September 2012 - Andy Carroll's debut for West Ham United sparked an outstanding home league victory over Fulham. Carroll had a hand in two of the goals as Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor did the damage at the Boleyn Ground.
Newcastle United 0-1 West Ham United (pictured), Barclays Premier League, 11 November 2012 - West Ham United won at Newcastle United for the first time in more than 14 years thanks to Kevin Nolan's first-half goal and a determined and superbly organised performance at St James' Park.
West Ham United 3-1 Chelsea, Barclays Premier League, 1 December 2012 - West Ham United trailed 1-0 at half-time against the UEFA Champions League winners, only for substitute Mohamed Diame to inspire a fightback capped by a goal and further strikes from Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga.
West Ham United 3-1 West Bromwich Albion, Barclays Premier League, 30 March 2013 - Andy Carroll scored twice - the second an outstanding volley - and Gary O'Neil curled in his first Barclays Premier League goal for the club in a fantastic home victory over Steve Clarke's Baggies.
West Ham United 2-2 Manchester United, Barclays Premier League, 17 April 2013 - The Hammers pushed the Barclays Premier League champions-elect to the limit, with Ricardo Vaz Te and Mohamed Diame scoring outstanding goals, only for Robin van Persie to equalise late on.
Save of the Season
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Simeon Jackson, v Norwich City (A), Barclays Premier League, 15 September 2012 - West Ham United collected their first away point of the season thanks in large part to Jussi Jaaskelainen's outstanding 50th-minute stop from Simeon Jackson, with the Finn tipping the striker's rasping shot over the crossbar.
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Demba Ba v Newcastle United (A), Barclays Premier League, 11 November 2012 - Jussi Jaaskelainen produced a truly stunning Gordon Banks-esque save to push Demba Ba's downward header around the post for a corner, helping the Hammers to achieve their second away win over the season.
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Wayne Rooney v Manchester United (A), Barclays Premier League, 28 November 2012 - England striker Wayne Rooney was left with his head in his hands when Jussi Jaaskelainen produced a truly fantastic save to tip his goalbound effort around the post.
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Gareth Bale (pictured) v Tottenham Hotspur (H), Barclays Premier League, 25 February 2013 - Jussi Jaaskelainen produced a world-class save to deny the in-form Gareth Bale, tipping the Wales international's 69th-minute curler onto the top of the crossbar and behind for a corner.
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Romelu Lukaku v West Bromwich Albion (H), Barclays Premier League, 30 March 2013 - Flying Finn Jussi Jaaskelainen showed lightning-quick reflexes to divert Romelu Lukaku's low free-kick onto the post, despite the shot being deflected by West Ham United's Gary O'Neil.
Signing of the Season
Andy Carroll - Signed on a season-long loan deal from Barclays Premier League club Liverpool in August 2012, the England international enjoyed an outstanding debut against Fulham. A powerful and hard-working frontman, Carroll caught the eye with match-winning performances in the home victories over Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion, in particular.
Joe Cole - The England international attacking midfielder returned to the club where he began his career in January 2013, when he signed an 18-month contract. Cole chalked up two assists on his debut in an FA Cup third-round draw with Manchester United on 5 January before scoring a vital equaliser against Queens Park Rangers a fortnight later.
James Collins (pictured) - Now 29, powerful Wales international centre-back James Collins returned to West Ham United in August 2012, having spent three years with Aston Villa. The shaven-headed defender has produced a series of determined and courageous performances, highlighted by his two-goal show against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.
Mohamed Diame - All-action Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame has caught the eye consistently since joining West Ham United on a free transfer in July 2012. Athletic, skilful and equally effective in attack and defence, Diame's fine first season in east London has seen him become something of a cult figure among Hammers supporters.
Jussi Jaaskelainen - Former Finland international Jussi Jaaskelainen has enjoyed a fine first season with West Ham United. A free transfer arrival following his departure from Bolton Wanderers, Jaaskelainen was voted SBOBET Player of the Month for November and February and has made more saves than any other Barclays Premier League goalkeeper.
Matt Jarvis - Matt Jarvis has caught the eye with his direct wingplay and non-stop crossing following his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August
2012. Quick, skilful and able to cross with either foot, the England international has got better and better as the season has gone on.
Vote for your award winners by clicking here http://www.whufc.com/page/AwardsSurvey2013
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Olympic Stadium update
WHUFC.com
The Vice-Chairman provides another weekly update for supporters regarding the move to Stratford
26.04.2013
I would like to start by thanking the thousands of you who have taken the time to engage with YouGov's Olympic Stadium consultation, which launched on Tuesday.
Those of you that have given up your time have already played a vital role in shaping the next steps on the journey to Stratford. The depth and range of the questions are such that we will have a thorough understanding of your opinions and this will help determine our priorities for the coming weeks, months and years.
The consultation period closes at midnight on Tuesday 30 April and I would urge anyone who is eligible to participate to do so before the deadline. If you are not sure if you qualify, you can find all of the details here.
Just a reminder that the consultation is open to ANY Season Ticket Holder, Bond Holder and Corporate Member. We sent an email invitation to everyone that we held details for on our database but you do not need the email to take part in the survey. All you need to do is follow the link in this story and enter your name and the postcode that we held for you as of 11 April.
Whilst the poll is crucial to establish the overall appetite for the move, it's also really important to us that we gather as much information as possible from the consultation, both to maximise the opportunity of gaining supporter insight from the YouGov team but also to make sure we are provided with meaningful information that we can act upon.
It will guide us on the areas you are most excited about to help us develop them, but it will also help us to understand where your concerns lie and this is crucial so we can work to address them.
When the poll concludes, YouGov have informed us that they will spend a considerable amount of time analysing the results before providing us with a summary of the key stats, which we will publish on whufc.com.
I have been overwhelmed this week by the hundreds of emails I have been sent thanking me for the presentation we released on Youtube and our website last week. It seems our commitment to proactively get as much information out to you as possible is being appreciated. There are still questions coming in so I have released another of my weekly Q+A's here, which covers the most common queries from the last seven days.
The new image of the east 'Kop' style stand (see below) also seems to have also been well received. I am pleased that you are finally getting the chance to see some of the more detailed aspects of the move that we fought so hard to secure during the negotiation period, but were unable to discuss because of the confidentiality agreements.
I know there are many more areas that we can still help to shape by working with you, as I know we all share the common goal of making the Olympic Stadium a truly world-class new home for West Ham United.
Thank-you again.
Karren Brady
Vice-Chairman
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Stratford beckons for Moncur Jnr
WHUFC.com
John Moncur is excited, if somewhat jealous, at the prospect of his son playing at the Olympic Stadium
26.04.2013
John Moncur reckons his son George has every chance of turning out for West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium and admits he will be green with envy if he does. Nineteen-year-old Moncur has started all but one of the Development's Squad's 25 fixtures this term, more than any of his Under-21 contemporaries.
Every bit as enthused about claret and blue as his father, Moncur junior is a midfielder by trade too and his Dad would love to see him play at the iconic Stratford venue. He exclusively told West Ham TV: "I'll be jealous if he does [play at the Olympic Stadium]! He's going in the right direction, he loves West Ham and he's developing ok, so hopefully he might play there one day. He has got a good attitude, does the right things and we hope he can continue."
With fans' favourite Moncur having made in excess of 200 appearances across nine seasons at the Boleyn Ground, George has some serious catching up to do. But his father could hardly envisage a better time for him to be making his way at the Hammers, with the prospect of the Olympic Stadium pointing to a bright future. "It's exciting times to be fair," he continued. "If you look at it, for the club in three years' time, it's something that's going to be really big. As a player, you would love to play in that stadium and hopefully it's all going to work out. "Football's getting bigger and bigger, for West Ham to compete with Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and the like, perhaps this is a step in the right direction."
For someone who had a stronger rapport with the fans than most, Moncur is keen to ensure the Olympic Stadium is as raucous as the Boleyn Ground. But come the big kick-off in 2016, he is confident the club's new home will feel just like home. "I think everyone involved with the club knows how much our great crowd helps here at the Boleyn Ground and they'll want to mirror that at the Olympic Stadium. They'll take steps to reproduce that [atmosphere] and I don't see that as a big problem. "It's really good for the club and something to look forward to. I think with the way the team's developing, this is a chance to push on."
As for Sam Allardyce's current crop, Moncur is so impressed with what has been achieved in the club's first season back in the Barclays Premier League.
"We've done so well this year. We started the campaign really strongly and our home form has been great. I can see us getting over the line in the next couple of weeks and everything's rosy."
George Moncur and his Development Squad teammates will be in action this evening at the Boleyn Ground, as they take on Liverpool in their final home game of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League season.
Kick-off is set for 7pm, with admission free for Season Ticket Holders, just £3 for adults and £1 for children.
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Man City v West Ham
KO 12:45
25 April 2013
By Simon Brotherton
Match of the Day commentator
BBC.co.uk
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Etihad Stadium Date: Saturday, 27 April
Continue reading the main story
Manchester City trio David Silva, James Milner and Sergio Aguero have all recovered from hamstring injuries. Midfielder Jack Rodwell could also feature after two months out with a similar problem.
West Ham are without defenders James Tomkins and George McCartney due to respective calf and knee injuries. Mark Noble and Joe Cole are in contention to start after proving their fitness with recent cameos from the substitutes' bench.
MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester City fans were probably resigned to the outcome weeks ago, but Monday's title celebrations at Old Trafford will still have hurt as the reality that they're no longer champions really sunk in. Last Sunday's defeat by Tottenham set the mood for the whole week for the blue half of Manchester. They conceded three goals inside seven minutes late in the game - quite a capitulation on a day when they'd been in control of the game. Sitting on the gantry alongside David Pleat, high among the pigeons over the halfway line, my thought at the time was they appeared a little too content with a 1-0 lead and tried to keep Spurs at arms length rather than look to put the game to bed. And boy, did it backfire. In fact, it was the first time this season City have lost a league match having taken the lead - and they'd gone on to win 20 of the previous 22.
It was also the first time they'd conceded three second-half goals in a Premier league match since losing 4-3 at neighbours United in 2009. Despite all that, a win here will all but guarantee second place and Champions League football next season. Of course, there is still the FA Cup final against Wigan to come.
West Ham travel north in pretty good shape as they head towards the back end of their first season back in the top flight. A total of 42 points leaves them 10th in the table and feeling secure of their Premier League future. Sam Allardyce said this week his aim was a mid-table finish, and it looks like being job done with four matches remaining. They had a sticky spell either side of New Year, but have never looked like being drawn into the scrap nearer the bottom. A top-half finish would be an excellent return.
It's been a while since West Ham won at Manchester City though. It was 10 years ago this month that Freddie Kanoute scored the only goal of the game in Trevor Brooking's first match in charge. Hammers fans won't want to dwell on the ultimate outcome of that season when they went down, but whatever happens here, there are no such worries this time.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham last won a Premier League game at Manchester City seven matches ago, a 1-0 victory in April 2003.
The past 10 Premier League meetings between the clubs have seen six City victories - and just one win for West Ham.
West Ham's biggest win at Manchester City (Maine Road) was a 6-1 victory in September 1962. They also won 5-1 there in March 1970, with Jimmy Greaves scoring two goals on his Hammers debut.
Manchester City
This time last year City had 74 Premier League points, compared to the 68 they have at present.
They have lost three of their past eight Premier League matches.
Against Tottenham, City lost for the first time this season after taking the lead in the Premier League. They had won 20 of the previous 22.
City have kept six clean sheets in their last seven home games in the Premier League.
Samir Nasri has two goals in three games (all competitions) after going 20 without scoring.
West Ham
The Hammers are unbeaten in five league matches (W2, D3).
The club sit 15th in a hypothetical Premier League table based purely on away form.
Andy Carroll has been involved in five goals (three goals, two assists) in his last four league appearances.
Kevin Nolan has now scored 100 career goals in English football.
West Ham have the best saves to shots rate in the Premier League this season (76%).
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West Ham set for Ireland and Germany
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed their current list of pre-season fixtures. As revealed here on KUMB.com back in January, West Ham start their pre-season with a trip to Ireland in order to face Cork City on Sunday, 7th July. That test is followed by a trip to Boreham Wood on Wednesday, 10th July. The following Saturday sees the Hammers take on League One AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court in a testimonial for former Hammer Stephen Purches, before travelling to Germany for a friendly against Hamburg SV - another fixture that we brought you details of a while back. That game will take place in Flensburg some 100 miles or so north of Hamburg, on the Danish border. HSV regularly play at least one summer fixture in the country's most northern town due to an extensive fanbase in the area.
KUMB.com will be running trips to both Ireland and Germany, should you wish to attend either game; more details on the Cork City weekender may be found here, whilst details of the German trip can be seen here.
2013/14 (Current) Pre-Season Fixture List
7th July: Cork City (Turners Cross Stadium, 6.00pm)
10th July: Boreham Wood (Meadow Park, 7.30pm)
13th July: AFC Bournemouth (Dean Court, 3.00pm)
23rd July: Hamburg SV (Flensburg Stadium, 6.45pm)
* Please note that all kick-offs stated are local times.
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Manchester City v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th April 2013
By: Preview Percy
Next up we have our second match against FA Cup Finalists in as many weeks as we visit the North West where our hosts will be Manchester City.
After a run of supporter-friendly kick-off times we find ourselves having to kick-off on Saturday at 12.45pm. Presumably the tv people thought that the Premier League title race might still be alive when they picked this one for the box. With that that all done and dusted, the Citizens all but guaranteed second spot and ourselves comfortably ensconced in mid table it'll be of scant consolation to those forced to travel at silly o'clock that Sky will have wasted a live match on something that has little riding on it.
City have 68 points from their 33 games played thus far, some five points clear of Chelsea over whom they have a game in hand. Their last six have seen them win four and lose two. The wins came on the road at Villa (1-0) and at Salford (2-1) and at home to Newcastle (4-0) and Wigan (1-0). The defeats both came away from home at Everton (0-2) and at Gareth Bale last weekend where they were on the end of a 3-1 despite being 1-0 up with 15 left to play.
The race for the league title might have been a bit closer had they been allowed to include points gained by their players in trips to the local courts this season. Nasri, Tevez and Richards all received six month bans for various motoring offences in recent weeks, a tactic that seems to have been adopted by Harry Redknapp this week in an attempt to gain some much-needed points. He'll be back in court on speeding and associated charges in August, presumably using the "my dog was at the wheel" defence. Less amusingly, indeed tragically for the victims, City youth team player Courtney Meppen-Walter is currently doing 16 months for causing death by dangerous driving. Sometimes one despairs of the modern professional footballer.
There's a lot of speculation as to the future of the boss Roberto Mancini. Although they still have the Cup to play for it's probably fair to say that the owners had a little bit more than that in mind at the start of the season. Whilst many will be scratching their heads and asking "what went wrong" this season, maybe the better question to ask would be "what went right" last time. Winning the title with a goal in the 4th minute of stoppage time of the final match reflects a large slice of luck by anyone's standards and, in the end, they took the title by virtue of being only slightly less worse than their neighbours in Salford over the season. The difference this season is that, whilst they've has a similar time in terms of consistency, their chief rivals have maintained an almost monotonous run of form that, whilst not particularly spectacular, has kept them churning out three pointers week after week. Except against us of course.
Whilst the form of players is often something beyond the direct control of a manager, it's also fair to say that City have somehow looked less of a team than Ferguson's whiney mob. Playing as a bunch of talented individuals will only get you so far as this season has proved. Team spirit is something for which the manager is usually deemed to be responsible. It remains to be seen if the owners agree – especially after a winless exit from Europe this season.
One of those individuals we're likely to be up against is the aforementioned Carlos Tevez. Although now apparently rehabilitated in the eyes of both club and fans following his strop the other year that saw him refusing to warm-up from the bench, it would appear that the incident might have been symptomatic of a general attitude problem amongst the squad. The disappearance of Balotelli in the last window as Mancini finally lost patience with the wayward Italian might have improved things somewhat amongst the team but when you've had over half the season gone you'll already be playing catch up.
Unluckiest player of the week has to be David Silva. He pinged a hamstring in the Man Utd match a few weeks ago and so missed the FA Cup Semi Final against Chelsea plus the 1-0 win over Wigan. Having come through all the appropriate treatment he was fit enough to travel down south for the Spurs match. Then, during what was described as a "light training session" he rolled over on his ankle. The usual sources list him as having "no return date". Similarly, England midfielder James Milner is also on the "gawd knows" list, having coming off during the Spurs match with the hamstring epidemic that has also affected Aguero in the not too distant past.
Aguero, whose late, late effort at QPR gave them the title last May, is one of a number of players in recent weeks to have gotten away with a shocking tackle. Aguero's two-footed lunge on Chelsea's Luiz in the semi-final merited a straight red but, hiding behind their standard "the ref gave a free-kick so we can't do anything" excuse the FA did their usual square root of sod all. As we saw with the McManaman incident recently those involved in the disciplinary processes really need to take a long look at the whole thing.
And so to us. Here at the Avram Grant Rest Home For the Bewildered it's been a week of upheaval. The Company that owns and runs the place (Soylent Green Street plc) have decided that, rather than spend the clean up fund (£2.50) on getting rid of the toxic waste on which the site is built they're going to move us up the road to a site next door to the local nuclear waste disposal facility (an old chalk pit full of some suspiciously glowing leaky drums). The owners did, rather admirably, consult us though. Each of us got a note under the door with a note asking us if we a) wanted to move to the new site, or b) take advantage of a free one way ticket and guided tour of Dignitas in Switzerland.
After the draw against Moan Utd the other week Andy Carroll was the subject of a spectacularly poorly written article from a chap called Patrick Collins in the Mail On Sunday. Not a paper I'd buy personally but they dump a few dozen free copies on us here at the Avram Grant Rest Home For The Bewildered every week and count them amongst the circulation figures (hence the toxic waste). Mr Collins, it seems, is not enamoured of Carroll and spouted the usual ill-informed twaddle about our "long ball" game. Carroll it seems is a "stone age" player and the game has apparently "progressed" with what Mr Collins referred to as "Johnny Foreigner" playing it a lot better than we do these days. Of course the whole thing was a logical disaster on the part of Mr Collins. Carroll was up against Vidic the other night who, despite being one of those "Johnny Foreigner" types is more than handy with his elbows and studs.
Then of course last weekend we had Suarez, a player for whom a number of Collins' colleagues – possibly even Collins himself – will be voting for as Footballer Of The Year. Maybe he'll have lost a few votes from the Football Writers Association after his snack last weekend but the fact remains that he has been a racist diving cheat all his career and he was still being lauded by the likes of Collins and his ilk. There is a facility on the Mail's website to leave comment and I did try to point out the many inconsistencies in Collins' article in the same manner as I have done here. However, disagreeing with Mr Collins apparently contravenes the Mail's house rules and my comment was rejected. Who'd have thought that the Mail would have had so much in common with Pravda?!
Following the Moan Utd match we defeated Wigan in a match that reminded me very much of the opening day of the season when we sat and watched Villa tap it about for ages before taking it off them and scoring. For all the possession stats, Jaaskalainen really had only a few saves to make – two of which were, admittedly, superb. This contrasted with Wigan's previous match at the Etihad where they had a stream of decent chances only to be foiled by 'keeper Hart or, failing that, goal-line clearances. The aforementioned Carroll picked up a ludicrous yellow card for a nothing challenge that owed everything to Ferguson's daft comments after the Moan Utd match. Being cautioned by reputation is something of which Mr Collins would no doubt heartily approve.
Due to the move to the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered I've had to go to print early this week, surrounded as I am by boxes and someone hovering over me to unplug the computer as soon as I finish so team news might be even more out of date than it usually is. At the time of writing, with the return to action of Joe Cole and the recovery of James Tomkins we'll have pretty much a full squad to choose from with Linda being the only long term absentee – next season being the earliest we'll see of him. For our opponents, I was half watching a match on the box the other night that suggested that England 'keeper Joe Hart might miss out with what looked like a really nasty case of dandruff. He responded to treatment on the pitch though so should be available.
So a prediction then. Well on paper, the embarrassment of riches in their squad should make this an easy home win. However, as we've seen in the title race, a strong team will always be able to give a team of individuals a run for their money. If the boss noted how close Wigan came to getting a result up there, and, more importantly, how close we came to getting a win at Anfield when we went forward, we should be more than capable of getting a point now that we've established that an away match needn't necessarily equal an automatic defeat. So I'll be placing the contents of the Avram Grant Rest Home For The Bewildered's fund (£2.50) to send Patrick Collins on a course so that he can learn to write about something he has the foggiest about (there MUST be something out there somewhere) on a 1-1 draw.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met Up There: Lost 1-2 (May 2011). De Jong and Zabaleta put the home side 2-0 up after 15 minutes and it looked like we were on for a hiding. However, they took their foot off the pedal. Ba pulled one back and a little more luck might have seen us nick a point.
Referee:Howard Webb – increasingly inconsistent official who we last saw in the home defeat to Gareth Bale.
Danger Man:Carlos Tevez. Apart from the "scoring against his old club" thing, he's their top scorer.
Daft Fact Of The Week: The name "Manchester" comes from the Latin "Mamucium" which, and for once I'm not making this up, is supposedly a Latinised form of the Celtic for "breast-shaped hill", which could explain why Terry Christian (admittedly a Salford supporter) is such an irritating tit.
Stat man John: Northcutt's corner
Head to Head
Pld 93; West Ham Utd 35, Man City 42, Draws 16.
First Meeting
26th April 1924: West Ham Utd 1-2 Man City (Boleyn Ground, Division One)
Last Meeting
3rd November 2012: West Ham Utd 0-0 Man City (Boleyn Ground, Premier League)
Biggest Win(s)
18th May 1963: West Ham Utd 6-1 Man City (Boleyn Ground, Division One)
8th September 1962: Man City 1-6 West Ham Utd (Maine Road, Division One)
Heaviest Defeat(s)
17th August 1974: Man City 4-0 West Ham Utd (Maine Road, Division One)
6th December 1969: West Ham Utd 0-4 Man City (Boleyn Ground, Division One)
24th March 1962: West Ham Utd 0-4 Man City (Boleyn Ground, Division One)
They Played For Both
Craig Bellamy; Tal Ben Haim; Ian Bishop; Wayne Bridge; James Cumming; Justin Fashanu; Marc Vivien Foe; Michael Hughes; Kevin Horlock; David James; Steve Lomas; Tyrone Mears; Trevor Morley; John Payne; Trevor Sinclair; Carlos Tevez; Paulo Wanchope; Mark Ward; Phil Woosnam.
Seeing Red
1961/62 Bobby Moore (a); 1991/92 Colin Foster (h); 2008/09 Mark Noble (a).
Bossing It
Former West Ham United players John Bond, Malcolm Allison and Stuart Pearce have all been managers of Manchester City.
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Man City play host to West Ham
Last Updated: April 26, 2013 11:13am
SSN
Manchester City play host to West Ham on Saturday aiming to tie up second spot in the table after seeing their Premier League title defence ended. Roberto Mancini's men saw their slim title hopes finally vanquished on Monday night following Manchester United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa and the Italian will be looking for a response from his players against West Ham after last weekend's disappointing defeat at Tottenham. City are five points clear of third-placed Arsenal and victory over West Ham will move them a step closer to securing second spot.
West Ham will travel to City knowing they have all but secured their Premier League status after last weekend's win over Wigan took them on to 42 points.
Sam Allardyce's side are unbeaten in their last five games, including draws with Liverpool and Manchester United, and they will be hoping to spring a shock against City. The game will also see both sets of fans pay a special tribute to former City and West Ham midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe - who died 10 years ago after collapsing on a football field while on international duty with Cameroon.
Man City
Last 6
3-1
1-0
1-2
1-2
4-0
2-0
Mancini must decide if he wants to take a risk on David Silva's fitness before finalising his side. The Spanish playmaker missed the defeat to Tottenham with an ankle injury and City have the FA Cup final in mind. James Milner is hopeful of proving his fitness after being forced off with a hamstring injury at half-time at White Hart Lane. Sergio Aguero is pushing for a return to the starting XI from a hamstring injury after being an unused substitute against Tottenham as a precaution.
West Ham
Last 6
2-0
2-2
1-1
0-0
3-1
2-0
West Ham are without defensive pair James Tomkins (calf) and George McCartney (knee) for the trip to the Etihad Stadium. Midfielder Mark Noble could begin his first game since February after making two successive appearances from the substitutes' bench. Midfielder Joe Cole, who also came off the bench against Wigan last weekend following his recovery from a hamstring problem, may make his first start since
March 2.
Opta Stats:
Andy Carroll has scored more goals against Manchester City than versus any other Premier League opponent (4).
City have kept six clean sheets in their last seven home games in the Premier League.
Matt Jarvis has created more goalscoring chances than any other player without an assist this season (40).
Manchester City have won seven and lost just one of their last 11 Barclays Premier League games against West Ham
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Winston Reid: West Ham aim to continue unbeaten run at Manchester City
Last Updated: April 26, 2013 4:03pm
SSN
Winston Reid says West Ham are determined to finish the season with a bang - starting with Saturday's trip to Manchester City. The Hammers go to the Etihad unbeaten in their last five games and the defender says they want to maintain that run until the end of the season. Victory at City will guarantee Premier League survival, although realistically Sam Allardyce's men should already have done enough to stay up. Reid said: "We know City have quality players. They have the likes of Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, and it will my job and that of my team-mates to stop them. "They have quality throughout the side, but we are five games unbeaten and keen to finish the season as strong as (we can). "We have got ourselves in a good position so why wouldn't we want to keep that going and see where we can get to with the last four games? "We are looking forward to the run-in, as we want to keep this going." The reverse fixture back in November finished 0-0 though the East Londoners had a goal by Kevin Nolan incorrectly chalked off. "We know that facing them on their own ground is going to be extra tough because as the former champions they will still want to finish the season well and grab that second place," said Reid. "Even though they haven't got the title back they have an FA Cup final to go for and they will want to finish well. "We were unlucky not to beat them back at Upton Park earlier in the season - our captain Kevin [Nolan] had a goal which was deemed offside and it ended up being a 0-0 draw."
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Winston's war cry
By ANDREW DILLON Last Updated: 27th April 2013
The Sun
WINSTON REID has warned Manchester City that West Ham are out to make their miserable week even worse. City were forced to watch as rivals Manchester United took back the Premier League title on Monday. The Hammers go to City today looking to continue their fine run at City's expense. Defender Reid said: "We are confident.We were unlucky not to beat them at Upton Park earlier in the season. "Our captain Kevin Nolan had a goal which was deemed offside and it ended as a 0-0 draw. "Facing them on their ground is going to be extra tough because, as the former champions, they will want to finish the season well and grab that second place. "We know they have quality players — Edin Dzeko, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez — and it will my job and that of my team-mates to stop them.
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Karren Brady's football diary
The Sun
By KARREN BRADY
SunSport columnist
Published: 26th April 2013
SATURDAY APRIL 20
WEST HAM can just about celebrate staying up, so well done Sam and the squad. It's odd that for all but a few clubs this is seen as an achievement, like gladiators surviving being thrown to the lions. This is not a healthy state for the Premier League but the cost of competing with Man U, Chelsea and the like is such that even the £60million from TV contracts next season only emphasises the difference. For some it's enough to pay the entire wage bill, for others it's for five or six players. I'm not moaning. We all know our business is just crazy. But fun.
SUNDAY APRIL 21
LUIS SUAREZ munches Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic's arm as if it were corn on the cob. My first reaction is to laugh but you shouldn't laugh at the afflicted. That's what he is — serially crackers, wrong in the head but marvellous in football boots. If he were my player I'd insist on paying for his sessions with a shrink. I know how Ivanovic feels as I was once bitten at a football match... by a police horse on the arm outside Highbury and I felt nearly as indignant as he does. I suspect the animal's teeth were longer and yellower than Suarez's and they left proper indentations, whereas you couldn't see a mark on Ivanovic.
MONDAY APRIL 22
A BUSY day today and in London's West End I see one manager, two PL players and one retired PL player — and none of them are at West Ham, past or present. One was on crutches, one was smoking shisha, one is about to be relegated, and the other well... the other was with someone who is not his wife, and looks like he's having a mid-life crisis. Warning: you should not be seen wearing a shark-tooth necklace beyond your 14th birthday.
TUESDAY APRIL 23
LIVERPOOL were never going to make the mistake of kicking out Luis Suarez. Why should they let Juventus, to name but one, have him for nothing? In general, I would rather trust a rattlesnake than some Italian clubs. This week Chelsea hope The Old Lady will be ordered by a disputes panel to open her handbag and pay up to £15million for Adrian Mutu, who was suspended for cocaine snorting nine years ago. I have been pursuing another Italian club, Brescia, for four years for £2m owed West Ham for Alessandro Diamanti, so you can see why I have decided never to sell to Italy until I see the money.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 24
ON the eve of the Champions League semi-finals, Bayern Munich revealed they had paid £33million to arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund for star Mario Goetze, 20.
If the laugh is supposed to be on Dortmund, it backfires. They hit four against Real Madrid and now seem likely to meet Bayern in the Wembley final. I can't believe an English manager would have picked Goetze knowing what the atmosphere would be like. But the whizkid shows guts despite being blasted by his own fans. On hearing the news of Suarez's 10-match ban, my pal at Liverpool texts me to say, "Well, all I hope is that he comes back even hungrier after the break." It did make me chuckle.
THURSDAY APRIL 25
NEVER mind the worms, FIFA chief Sepp Blatter continues to sit on a can of cockroaches. Another of his wrinkly old pals has just resigned, 84-year-old Nicolas Leoz, an executive committee member from Paraguay, denying bribery but explaining that he is too poorly to continue. You remember him, he wanted a knighthood for his support of England's World Cup bid, while another two colleague roaches from the other side of the Atlantic, Jack Warner (Trinidad) and Chuck Blazer (USA) have also had to resign from the committee but face further allegations of corruption. Three guesses why our 2018 bid failed and Qatar's for 2022 succeeded.
FRIDAY APRIL 26
"JEFF RANDALL here, calling you from Spain. Would you talk to my sister about the move to the Olympic Stadium, she has some questions to ask you?"
It's polling time, you see, and such is the interest among West Ham supporters, of whom the business presenter's sister is one, that there have been more than 70,000 viewings of our video on the details. The independent pollster YouGov is conducting the ballot and the result will be known on Tuesday. I hope we'll be celebrating a big majority for the 2016 transfer. Our travelling supporters will be able to see what a beautiful new stadium did for Man City tomorrow. A £1billion drenching in oil money helped, of course. What we offer is old fashioned British get-up-and-go.
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PC books Andy Carroll
West Ham forward stopped by cops
The Sun
Exclusive
By NEIL SYSON
Published: 6 hrs ago
SOCCER ace Andy Carroll looks like he's picked up another booking — after traffic cops stopped him in his blinged-up £100,000 Range Rover. The West Ham striker, 24, was ordered to pull into a service station near the club's training ground yesterday morning. Spurs fan Marc Grant, who saw the 4x4 arrive with its police escort, said: "At first I thought it was a rapper or minor royalty in the car. "Then out stepped Andy Carroll in his West Ham training kit. "The policemen seemed to be telling him off and writing notes, and they were looking around the inside of the Range Rover." Cabbie Marc, 48, of Gants Hill, East London, added: "They noticed one of his tyres was low, and Andy bent down to give it a feel. "An air line was right next to the car so he gave it a tug and pumped it up. He was on his knees. It looked as though he had never done it before!" Carroll then gave the cops a wave as he drove off in Poplar, East London. West Ham fans will hope he's equally pumped for today's match at Man City.
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Make it official: Failed pro footballers should become referees says West Ham boss Allardyce
26 Apr 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce wants more ex-players to become referees. He believes it would raise the standard and avoid errors - such as Kevin Nolan's goal for West Ham against Manchester City in November, which was wrongly ruled out for offside. Before Saturday's return fixture at Eastlands, Hammers boss Allardyce said: "There are lots of ex-players who don't quite make it between the ages of 18 and 22, that, when released by clubs, will be very interested in going into refereeing. "They all have a knowledge of the game and a knowledge of the laws of the game. "We've enough money in football to pay them, haven't we? We've billions. "Development and recruitment of referees is something that needs a big push. The more people you get through the door, the better standard you get, eventually." Allardyce has warned Financial Fair Play rules next season will mean less clout for West Ham in the transfer market. But he thinks the likes of Manchester City will still be able to buy big names as sponsorship deals – such as the £400m they are receiving to call Eastlands the Etihad stadium – are exempt. "There will be those who are interested in wealth as well as football and the wealth of Manchester City will have its success rate," he said. "It depends on the turnover. How much did they get Etihad Stadium sponsored for? That's increased their revenues.
* LEYTON ORIENT have failed to get a judicial review of the process which gave West Ham tenancy of London's Olympic Stadium. Chairman Barry Hearn had argued that the Hammers moving in so close to his League One club would threaten its existence.
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