WHUFC.com
All of the early team news and statistics ahead of Saturday's Barclays
Premier League game at Hull City
20.11.2009
Barclays Premier League
Hull City v West Ham United
Kingston Communications Stadium
Saturday 21 November
3pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
* West Ham United travel to Hull City for their seventh away fixture of the
2009/10 Barclays Premier League season. An away win would move the Hammers
above their hosts and out of the bottom-three, barring an emphatic win for
Wolverhampton Wanderers at Chelsea. A win could take West Ham as high as
15th in the table.
* Zola said: "It is a massive game not only for the points, but for the
confidence and for many reasons. The good thing is that all the players know
that and I know that. We are aware. Sometimes in football you do everything
correctly and the result doesn't come and then all of a sudden when you are
not playing as well the result will come. It is a very close balance and I
am expecting that moment to happen soon."
* West Ham go into Saturday's game seeking to bounce back after undeservedly
losing out 2-1 at home to Everton in their final game before the
international break on Sunday 8 November. Prior to that, the Hammers had
gone three league matches unbeaten.
* Hull, in contrast, ended a run of three league matches without a win by
defeating Stoke City 2-1 at the KC Stadium last time out on Sunday 8
November.
* West Ham's last and only visit to the KC Stadium took place on 19 October
2008. Michael Turner's header was the only difference between the two sides
in a 1-0 win for the Tigers.
* The last time West Ham won in Hull was more than 50 years ago in the
1954/55 season. John Bond scored in a 1-0 win at Boothferry Park.
* West Ham are looking for their second away league win of the season,
having triumphed 2-0 at newly-promoted Wolves on the opening Saturday of the
season.
* If Mark Noble is selected, he will be making his 100th league appearance
for West Ham. Noble spent three months on loan at Hull at the end of the
2005/06 season, playing five times for the Tigers.
Last meeting
* West Ham United beat Hull City 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground on 28 January
2009. David Di Michele opened the scoring after 33 minutes before Carlton
Cole doubled the lead on 51 minutes. Noble also saw a penalty saved by
Tigers goalkeeper Matt Duke.
* The two teams that day were:
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Collison (Faubert 71), Noble (Boa Morte 84), Di Michele (Savio 86), Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Tristan, Tomkins, Sears
Goals: Di Michele 33, Cole 51
Hull City: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney (Mendy 73),
Ashbee, Kilbane, Geovanni (Bullard 53), Cousin, Manucho (Fagan 53)
Subs not used: Myhill, Garcia, Halmosi, Folan
Last time out
Sunday 8 November
West Ham United 1-2 Everton
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Spector, Behrami, Parker,
Collison (Stanislas 46), Jimenez (Diamanti 57), Franco, Hines
Subs not used: Kurucz, Tomkins, Daprela, Noble, Nouble
Goal: Hibbert 65 (og)
Sunday 8 November
Hull City 2-1 Stoke City
Hull City: Duke, Gardner, Dawson, Zayatte, Fagan (Boateng 89), Olofinjana,
Garcia (Barmby 52), Mendy, Hunt, Bullard, Altidore (Vennegoor of Hesselink
83),
Subs not used: Warner, Kilbane, McShane, Ghilas
Goals: Olofinjana 62, Vennegoor of Hesselink 90
Head to head
Last six meetings
28 January 2009 - West Ham United 2-0 Hull City
19 October 2008 - Hull City 1-0 West Ham United
23 March 1991 - Hull City 0-0 West Ham United
6 October 1990 - West Ham United 7-1 Hull City
20 January 1990 - West Ham United 1-2 Hull City
2 February 1989 - Hull City 1-1 West Ham United
Overall record v Hull City (all competitions): W 14, D 13, L 10
Referee
* Saturday's referee will be Mark Clattenburg.
* The 34-year-old was the man in the middle for the Championship play-off
semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the
visiting West Ham United. He has been on the Premier League list since 2004.
* Clattenburg was in charge when Tottenham Hotspur visited the Boleyn Ground
on Sunday 23 August.
* He was also referee when Hull City beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the KC
Stadium on 3 October.
West Ham United
* Robert Green is in line to make his 101st consecutive Barclays Premier
League start for West Ham United at Hull City.
* Cole is West Ham's top scorer this season with six goals in eleven league
games. The England striker has scored 13 goals in 23 Premier League games
since Boxing Day 2008, all from open play.
* Jonathan Spector lined up alongside Hull forward Jozy Altidore in the
United States' starting XI in their 3-1 friendly defeat in Denmark on
Wednesday.
* West Ham have won four times at Hull, but never by more than a single
goal. The Hammers' best performance came at Anlaby Road on 28 March 1936,
when Peter Simpson, Len Goulden and Jimmy Ruffell netted in a 3-2 victory
that took the club top of Division Two.
* Winger Junior Stanislas, who has been away on England Under-21 duty during
the international break, turns 20 next Friday.
Hull City
* Geovanni is Hull City's top scorer this season with three goals in 12
Barclays Premier League appearances. The Brazilian has also scored once in
the Carling Cup. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Stephen Hunt have each
netted twice in the league.
* Hull's biggest home win over West Ham came on 17 September 1934. The
Tigers ran out 4-0 victors at Anlaby Road.
Team news
* Gianfranco Zola will welcome back Carlton Cole to his squad after the
England striker missed the home defeat by Everton with a minor hamstring
injury suffered in the victory over Aston Villa on 4 November.
* Left-back Herita Ilunga, who also suffered a hamstring problem against
Villa, is doubtful after missing the Everton fixture.
* Alessandro Diamanti is out with a slight hip problem suffered in training.
* Junior Stanislas has returned to full training this week after being
forced to come home from England Under-21 duty with a virus. The winger was
joined in training by Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon.
* James Tomkins, who was also ruled out of England U21 duty with a minor leg
injury, is facing a race against time to be fit for the trip to Hull.
* Long-term absentees Luis Boa Morte (knee), Calum Davenport (leg) and Dean
Ashton (ankle) are all ruled out.
* Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is rated as doubtful for Saturday's match with
a knee injury.
* Long-term Tigers captain Ian Ashbee is out until the New Year with torn
knee ligaments.
Old boys
* West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble played five matches on loan at Hull
City at the end of the 2005/06 season.
* Hull City forward Richard Garcia was part of the West Ham United side that
lifted the FA Youth Cup in 1999. The 27-year-old Australian played 22 times
for the Hammers before joining Colchester United for a nominal fee in
September 2004. Garcia moved on to Hull City in July 2007, helping the club
gain promotion to the Premier League in his first season at the KC Stadium.
* Jimmy Bullard spent an early part of his career with West Ham United but
failed to make a first-team appearance for the club before leaving for
Peterborough United in May 2001.
* Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Tommy Brandon,
Roy Carroll, Alf Fenwick, Cliff Hubbard, Stuart Pearson and Tony Weldon.
General information
Tickets are now sold out for this game. For details of getting to the
Kingston Communications Stadium, click here.
The weather forecast for Saturday is for light rain and a top temperature of
around 12C.
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Hopeful for Hull
WHUFC.com
The importance of Saturday's game at the KC Stadium is not lost on
Gianfranco Zola
20.11.2009
Gianfranco Zola has the good news of being able to recall Carlton Cole for
Saturday's "massive" game at Hull City. The West Ham United manager will
welcome back top scorer Cole to his starting XI after a slight hamstring
problem suffered against Aston Villa on 4 November. The England forward has
scored 13 goals in his last 23 league outings and could partner either
Guillermo Franco or Zavon Hines up front.
The return of Cole will provide a big lift for the KC Stadium encounter and
Zola is backing him to demonstrate once again his dedication to the West Ham
United cause.
"We are scoring more than we did last year and we are improving," he said.
"Carlton Cole is important for this team, not only because he scores goals
but also for the present.
"I know that Carlton Cole wants to play here, he is happy here and I know
the club has got no intention to sell any of our important players. We are
going to help him keep scoring the way he is scoring."
One player who will be definitely missing is Alessandro Diamanti, who is
ruled out with a slight hip injury, while a late decision was being made on
Herita Ilunga's involvement. Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon have trained
this week but it remains to be seen if they will feature.
Zola added: "Kieron has been back this week to train and is doing very well.
The problem is he struggles to keep the fitness a long time. I'm hoping this
time will be the one as he is a player that can give us something."
With West Ham knowing a win could take them above their hosts on Saturday
and as high as 15th in the Premier League table, the importance of the match
is clear.
"It is a massive game not only for the points, but for the confidence and
for many reasons. The good thing is that all the players know that and I
know that. We are aware of that."
As was the case at this stage of the season last year - before the Hammers
hit a purple patch of form that saw them climb to finish ninth - positive
performances have not been reflected in results. But after successfully
steering his side up the table once before, Zola knows where his squad need
to focus their attention in order to secure a repeat performance this time
around.
"We have been unlucky in some occasions and in others we didn't defend well
and some other days we didn't finish well. It is one of those moments like
last year where we were doing everything well and the results were not
coming along as well. I believe it is the same situation here.
"I know the players are training very well, have confidence and it is only a
matter of time before things change around. Sometimes in football you do
everything correctly and the result doesn't come and then, all of a sudden,
when you are not playing as well the results will come. It is a very close
balance and I am expecting that moment to happen soon."
West Ham fans have had to become accustomed to seeing plenty of speculation
of late, but once again the manager has reiterated that unfounded news does
not bother him or his players.
"I never wanted to speak about it last year and I don't want to speak about
it now. My concern is on the pitch and I just want to make sure everything
is working on the pitch. The rest I know. There is a lot of speculation out
there and a lot of the messages that are coming out are not true and I so
don't pay attention to that too much.
"I have been a player and when you go out there and play football you are
totally taken by that. I know that the players from this club care about
this club and know that they are doing something that they like and are
committed and they are doing something that they like."
Hull City manager Phil Brown has also been the subject of plenty of press
speculation this season and Zola admitted he was "pleased" to see him still
in charge although he added with a smile: "Hopefully I will make him a
little bit disappointed after the match but that is part of the game! The
thing that really matters is that he's there and he keeps doing his job."
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U18s off to Charlton
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's U18s will look to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches on
Saturday
20.11.2009
West Ham United's Under-18s will seek to extend their unbeaten FA Premier
Academy League run to seven matches when they make the short trip to
Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
The Hammers have climbed to fifth in Group A in recent weeks, having scored
hugely impressive victories over Arsenal and Chelsea.
Charlton sit bottom of the ten-club table, having won just two of their
eleven league fixtures so far. However, Academy Director Tony Carr is still
expecting the Addicks to put up a fight.
"We're on a good run of form at the moment so we go there full of
confidence.
"I watched them on Wednesday when they played Woking in the FA Youth Cup.
They played very well and won 3-1 quite comprehensively really.
"Like all youth games, it depends what team is put out on the day, but we're
expecting a tough match. We can go into it full of confidence. We're scoring
goals now and have beaten some big teams.
"Hopefully we can carry on the run and stay unbeaten until Christmas at
least."
While the Hammers have improved collectively since starting the season
slowly, Carr was impressed by the performance of England U17 striker Robert
Hall in last weekend's 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Little Heath.
Substitute Hall scored twice in wet and windy conditions, showing his
finishing prowess, and Carr admitted the youngster was pushing for a start
at Charlton.
"Robert will definitely be in the squad. I've not made up my mind 100 per
cent whether he will start or not, but obviously he's staked his claim with
two goals last week, so he's thrown down the gauntlet to the other strikers
who are trying to get into the squad.
"I've been really pleased with his performances and his contribution. As we
know, the boy can score goals and if he doesn't start, he'll definitely
feature.
"It was touch-and-go whether we would play the game, but it was playable and
the referee was right. It didn't look that way at 9.30, but I hope it will
be a little bit drier this week and not as windy!"
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Youth Cup date set
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's youngsters have been drawn away to Plymouth Argyle in the FA
Youth Cup third round
20.11.2009
The FA Youth Cup third-round tie at Plymouth Argyle will take place on
Wednesday 9 December The young Hammers, who won the competition in 1963,
1981 and 1999, are in good form ahead of the match, which will be played at
Home Park with a 7pm kick-off. Tony Carr and his side are especially eager
to put in a good showing in the prestigious competition because the club
have been knocked out at the first hurdle in each of the last two seasons.
Last December, the Hammers were frozen out 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on a
wintry night at the City Ground. However, the Academy youngsters will make
the 260-mile journey to Home Park in good spirits, having remained unbeaten
in their last five FA Premier Academy League matches. Plymouth have enjoyed
good runs in the tournament in each of the last two seasons, reaching the
fifth round last term before being knocked out by Tottenham Hotspur. Two
years ago, the Pilgrims progressed to the quarter-final stage before being
beaten by eventual winners Manchester City. Argyle are not part of the FA
Premier Academy League set-up, instead fielding their youngsters in the Puma
Youth Alliance South West Conference, which they won in 2007/08. Managed by
former Stoke City and Everton defender Mike Pejic, Plymouth have won just
one of their six league and cup fixtures so far this season.
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Valon's vow
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is happy in London and looking forward to the weekend game at
Hull City
20.11.2009
Valon Behrami has spoken to WHUTV to reiterate his commitment to the cause.
The midfielder dismissed suggestions he was thinking of a move away from the
Boleyn Ground. Behrami has been a huge hit since arriving from Serie A
giants Lazio in July 2008 - not least for his energy and endeavour - and
feels at home with his family in east London. "I have seen a lot of
newspaper writers concern me and [saying at] the end of the season I want to
improve my situation and to change clubs or something like this," he said.
"I just want to say it is not true. I never say that. Every time when I talk
I just say I want to stay here, I see my future only at West Ham. That is
what I want to do. Just to make sure everything is clear. I think I am a
direct person. Every time I say what I am thinking. It is just how I said it
before. I see my future only with this club. I want to give all myself to
improve this club."
A fans' favourite, Behrami acknowledged the current league position was not
the best but that all his efforts would be focused on helping to turn things
around. "The situation is not easy but concerning me and my situation here I
just say I am happy in all parts of my life, professionally and the outside
life. I am very happy. This is the reason why I don't want to leave this
team. "I am only focused on helping West Ham. I am sure we are going to
improve the situation. We play well and we need some good results. "
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Youngsters in England frame
WHUFC.com
Two West Ham United players have been named in the England Under-16 squad to
take on Scotland
19.11.2009
Matthias Fanimo and Blair Turgott will hope to reprise their scoring roles
when England take on Scotland in an Under-16 decider next Thursday.
The Academy prospects were each on target in the 2-0 win against Northern
Ireland earlier this month that set up the Victory Shield showdown with the
Scots in Edinburgh. The Young Lions need just a point on 26 November to make
it nine consecutive triumphs in the annual home nations' tournament for the
brightest young talents in the United Kingdom. England began the 2009
edition with a 1-0 win against Wales.
Young forwards Fanimo and Turgott are following in the footsteps of a long
line of West Ham United players to appear in the competition including
Trevor Brooking, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson, Jordan Spence and Robert Hall. The
latter has moved up to the U17s while, earlier this week, fellow forwards
Frank Nouble and Zavon Hines played for the U19s and U21s respectively.
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Specs plays again
WHUFC.com
With a FIFA World Cup finals to look forward to, Jonathan Spector got
another international run-out
19.11.2009
Jonathan Spector was the last West Ham United player to return to the fold
on Thursday after international duty having won his 23rd cap for the United
States. The 23-year-old defender played 70 minutes for the FIFA World Cup
finalists in Aarhus on Wednesday as they lost 3-1 to fellow South Africa
contenders Denmark. Spector reprised his centre-back partnership with
captain Carlos Bocanegra in the continued absence of AC Milan defender
Oguchi Onyewu. The pair first played together in last Saturday's 1-0 loss in
Slovakia. The US were without several regulars but took the lead against the
Danes before being pegged back in the second half. Spector had drawn praise
from US coach Bob Bradley for his performance in the middle, despite being
more regularly used in a full-back position. Up front for the US was striker
Jozy Altidore, who Spector could be facing in the match against Hull City
this weekend.
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Hull v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: KC Stadium Date: Saturday, 21 November 2009 Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score &
highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is still doubtful with a knee injury so Matt
Duke could continue in goal.
The Tigers' top scorer Geovanni is available again after a ban.
West Ham are boosted by the return of Carlton Cole from a hamstring injury
and they could also welcome back Kieron Dyer and Herita Ilunga.
James Tomkins (leg) and Junior Stanislas (virus) were both forced out of the
England Under-21 squad, but are hopeful of being fit for Saturday.
________________________________________
Hull City
Suspended: None Doubtful: Myhill (knee)
Injured: Ashbee (knee)
West Ham United
Suspended: None Doubtful: Dyer and Ilunga (both hamstring), Stanislas
(virus), Tomkins (leg)
Injured: Ashton (ankle), Boa Morte (knee), Davenport (leg),
MATCH PREVIEW
Hull fans must have spent the last 10 days pondering whether or not the
international break came at the right time for their side. On the one hand,
any momentum gained by the dramatic win over Stoke might have been lost, but
two weeks on the training ground to sharpen tactics and re-establish morale
at the club may prove to be a godsend.
The win over the Potters gave manager Phil Brown a stay of execution, but he
knows patience is thin and returning chairman Adam Pearson won't be shy of
pulling the trigger on his reign in Humberside.
His opposite number's position is not quite as parlous just yet, although
Gianfranco Zola's side are actually below Hull in the table, separated by a
solitary point.
Defeat to Everton at Upton Park drew to a close a mini revival of three
games unbeaten for West Ham and plunged them back into the relegation zone.
While the Hammers may have been struggling on the pitch and financially off
it, the club may soon be 'basque-ing' in the glory of a whole new legion of
fans thanks to pop siren Katy Perry.
The West Ham-branded underwear she wore to present the MTV Music Awards, in
support of celebrity Hammers fan Russell Brand, exposed the club to millions
of fans around the world. They are now selling it for £300 per outfit and
for a club reportedly £85m in debt, every penny counts.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Both matches between Hull and West Ham last season ended as home wins with
the away team failing to score.
• The two sides have met 37 times, Hull have won 10 matches, West Ham 14 and
there have been 13 draws. West Ham last won away at Hull in 1954.
• Hull striker Jozy Altidore lined up alongside West Ham's Jonathan Spector
in the USA's starting XI in their 3-1 defeat to Denmark on Wednesday.
606: DEBATE
Have your say on Saturday's match
Hull City
• Hull City have won just four games in the whole of 2009.
• The Tigers have only attempted 88 shots this season, which is the lowest
total in the top flight.
• Hull are the only side not to have had an English player score in the
Premier League this season.
West Ham United
• The Hammers haven't kept a clean sheet since August.
• Gianfranco Zola has a win ratio of 32% which is worse than previous West
Ham bosses Alan Curbishley (39%) and Alan Pardew (41%).
• The Hammers have won none of the six games that Carlton Cole has scored in
this season.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Hull City
Geovanni: 4 goals (3 league); Vennegoor of Hesselink and Hunt: 2 goals (2
league)
West Ham United
Cole: 6 goals (6 league); Stanislas: 3 goals (1 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant referees: Bob Pollock & Robert Madley
Fourth official: Scott Mathieson
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Hull City (W2-1 v Stoke, h): Duke; Mendy, Zayatte, Gardner, Dawson, Garcia
(Barmby 52), Olofinjana, Bullard, Hunt, Fagan (Boateng 90), Altidore
(Vennegoor of Hesselink 83). Subs not used: Warner, McShane, Kilbane,
Ghilas.
West Ham (L1-2 v Everton, h): Green; Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Spector,
Parker, Behrami, Jimenez (Diamanti 57), Collison (Stanislas 46), Franco,
Hines. Subs not used: Kurucz, Tomkins, Daprela, Kovac, Noble.
MOST RECENT MEETING
West Ham 2-0 Hull (28 January 2009)
West Ham scorers: Di Michele 33, Cole 51
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Ilunga in contention, Diamanti out
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 20th November 2009
By: Staff Writer
Herita Ilunga could make a welcome return to first team action at Hull
tomorrow afternoon. Congolese left-back Ilunga - sidelined since pulling up
during the 2-1 win against Aston Villa a fortnight ago - has been back in
training this week and may return to face struggling Hull City at the KC
Stadium tomorrow afternoon. Ilunga, should he return, is likely to be joined
by Carlton Cole who was also injured during the narrow win over Villa. The
international striker, who missed England's midweek defeat in Brazil is the
club's top scorer thus far this season with six goals. However Gianfranco
Zola will be without Italian midfielder Alessandro Diamanti, who misses the
game with a minor hip problem. He is expected to return for the visit of
Burnley next weekend. Meanwhile opponents Hull are set to be without
midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, who pulled a hamstring whilst playing for
Nigeria against Kenya last weekend. However under-pressure manager Phil
Brown is set to recall both goalkeeper Boaz Myhill (recovered from ligament
damage) and Geovanni (back from suspension).
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Zola - Cole happy with Hammers
Italian says striker's future lies at Upton Park
Last updated: 20th November 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists that striker Carlton Cole is happy
at the club. The Hammers forward has bagged six goals in 11 Premier League
appearances so far this season and has caught the eye of England manager
Fabio Capello, despite West Ham not having the best of times of late. Zola
has been delighted with Cole's form this term and says he does not pay
attention to speculation linking the striker with a move away from Upton
Park. "This year we are scoring more than we did last year so I think we are
improving there but we all know Carlton Cole is an important player for this
team, not only for his goals but for his presence," he said. "We are very
happy with him and we are going to help him keep scoring the way he is
scoring. "I know Carlton is happy here. I know the club have no intention of
selling any of our important players. "There is a lot of speculation and I
know that a lot of messages coming out are not true. I don't want to pay
attention to it. "It's been 13 or 14 months that I've been in charge and
it's never stopped."
Cole will return for the Hammers on Saturday as they travel to the KC
Stadium to play Hull in a Premier League basement battle. The England
international missed West Ham's defeat to Everton last time out but will
line up against the Tigers in what Zola describes as a huge game for the
club. "It's a massive game, not only for the points but for the confidence,"
he added. "All the players know that and I know that. We are aware of it.
"The players are training well, they are confident and it's just a matter of
time before we turn things around. Sometimes you do everything correctly and
the result doesn't come, and some days you don't play as well as before and
you win. "It's a very fine balance. But I am expecting this moment to come
soon."
When asked about Thierry Henry's controversial handball in the World Cup
qualifier between France and the Republic of Ireland, Zola said: "Thierry
Henry should have said but it's a matter of moments. "There's a lot of stake
in the game and it's not easy but probably he should have said. "Sometimes
it happened to me and I didn't say and other times I said, it depends."
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Hull City v West Ham preview
Tigers and Hammers prepare to scrap it out
By James Riach Last updated: 20th November 2009
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Hull 1 West Ham 1
SKYBET odds: Hull 7/4, draw 12/5, West Ham 6/4
One to watch: Jimmy Bullard
Hull City and West Ham lock horns in a basement battle at the bottom of the
Premier League with both teams in need of the points. The two sides have
struggled for form so far this season and managers Phil Brown and Gianfranco
Zola are feeling the heat as the threat of relegation rears its head even at
this early stage in the campaign. Hull grabbed a much-needed win over Stoke
before the international break, coming back from a goal down to win 2-1
thanks to a spirited second-half performance. The Hammers, though, went down
by the same scoreline against Everton at Upton Park, despite going three
games unbeaten before then. West Ham have not won at Hull for more than 50
years and when the teams met at the KC Stadium last season the Tigers came
out on top with a 1-0 win. And with Zola's side not triumphing away since
the opening day of the campaign against Wolves, the omens are not good for
the East London outfit.
West Ham hope to welcome back Carlton Cole to the starting line-up after he
limped off against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury. However, left-back
Herita Ilunga is set to miss out after suffering a similar problem during
the same game. Junior Stanislas is back in full training after returning
from England U21 duty with a virus, and he has been joined by Kieron Dyer
and Danny Gabbidon. James Tomkins was ruled out of U21 action after
suffering a minor leg injury is facing a race to be fit for the trip to
Hull. Long-term absentees Luis Boa Morte (knee), Calum Davenport (leg) and
Dean Ashton (ankle) are all still sidelined.
Tigers boss Brown was under intense pressure before the Stoke game a
fortnight ago following the arrival of new chairman Adam Pearson. The Tigers
are currently in 17th place and a home defeat would see them slip back down
the table and into the relegation places. Hull may have to do without
goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, who is struggling to overcome a knee injury in time
for Saturday's game, while skipper Ian Ashbee remains sidelined with a
long-term knee problem. Midfielder Jimmy Bullard will continue in the middle
of the park after coming back from injury against the Potters, while Jan
Vennegoor of Hesselink is pushing for a start after his late winner.
Possible starting XIs:
Hull City: Duke, Dawson, Zayatte, Gardner, Mendy, Hunt, Bullard, Olofinjana,
Barmby, Altidore, Vennegoor of Hesselink.
West Ham: Green, Spector, Da Costa, Upson, Parker, Collison, Behrami,
Jiminez, Faubert, Cole, Diamanti.
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Carlton Cole and Kieron Dyer set to return for under-pressure West Ham
Published 14:52 20/11/09 By Nick Ive
The Mirror
Under-fire West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has received a double boost with
the return to fitness of Kieron Dyer and Carlton Cole for tomorrow's trip to
fellow strugglers Hull City. Injury-prone Dyer has only managed three
Premier League appearances this season, but returned to training this week.
Although he will not be in the squad for the crunch clash with the Tigers,
striker Cole will be included. Cole missed both the Hammers' 2-1 defeat at
home to Everton and England's friendly defeat to Brazil in Qatar last week.
Dyer had been linked with a loan move back to Championship side Ipswich, but
Zola dismissed talk of him leaving Upton Park. "Dyer is back in training
this week and doing very well," said Zola. "The problem with him is he finds
it very difficult to keep the fitness, but I am hoping that changes now. He
is a player that can give us something." Struggling West Ham and Hull both
need the points and Zola added: "It is a massive game for many reasons
including the confidence. All the players know that and I know that. We are
close to getting it right."
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Hull City v West Ham United
ESPN
Hull playmaker Geovanni returns from suspension for the Barclays Premier
League clash with West Ham but Seyi Olofinjana is doubtful. Olofinjana
suffered a hamstring injury on international duty with Nigeria this week and
will be assessed ahead of the game. Goalkeeper Boaz Myhill (knee) is hoping
to return after missing the last two games but is yet to prove his fitness.
Captain Ian Ashbee, sidelined with a long-term knee problem, is the only
other absentee.
Hull go into the game at the KC Stadium with spirits lifted after a crucial
victory over Stoke in their last outing a fortnight ago. The Tigers came
from behind to win 2-1 and not only pull themselves out of the bottom three,
but possibly keep Brown in his job. Brown's position had been under heavy
scrutiny going into the game after just three previous league wins in 2009.
"It was everything we always call for,'' said Brown. "There was an awful lot
of hype and negativity surrounding ourselves and the game and we turned that
into a massive positive. "The response of players and fans was outstanding
on the day.
"But taking the heat off? I don't particularly want to make reference to any
of that. "As far as I was concerned it was the type of performance we were
looking for. "Hopefully we can revisit that performance against West Ham.''
West Ham welcome back Carlton Cole from injury. The England striker missed
the Hammers' last game, a 2-1 defeat to Everton, with a hamstring problem
but is available again to manager Gianfranco Zola. Forward Alessandro
Diamanti (hip) is missing while left-back Herita Ilunga (hamstring) is a
doubt, but long-term absentees Kieron Dyer (hamstring), Dean Ashton (ankle)
and Luis Boa Morte (knee) remain out. Zola has issued a firm "hands off''
warning to potential suitors of Cole as the England striker prepares for his
return to first-team action. There is speculation Cole, who is the club's
top scorer in the league this season with six goals, will leave the
Londoners in the January transfer window, with the likes of Manchester
United and Liverpool linked with moves for the striker. Zola, though,
insists his chief marksman is happy at West Ham, is going nowhere and that
the player's availability will lift his side for what is a crucial match
tomorrow at the bottom of the table. "This year we are scoring more than we
did last year so I think we are improving there but we all know Carlton Cole
is an important player for this team, not only for his goals but for his
presence,'' the Italian said. "We are very happy with him and we are going
to help him keep scoring the way he is scoring. "I know Carlton is happy
here. I know the club have no intention of selling any of our important
players. "There is a lot of speculation and I know that a lot of messages
coming out are not true. I don't want to pay attention to it. "It's been 13
or 14 months that I've been in charge and it's never stopped.''
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West Ham showing signs they are on road to recovery after troubled past
Despite seemingly being in perpetual crisis for years, West Ham are showing
signs that things are getting better.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 11:06PM GMT 20 Nov 2009
In front of the away dugout at Upton Park "The Academy of Football" is
written on the ground. There have been times, too many times, in the past
few years when West Ham United supporters might have expected that title to
have changed. "West Ham: Crisis Club" would have felt more appropriate, such
has been the constant, extraordinary drama that has stretched from the
Carlos Tévez affair to the financial meltdown of the club's previous owner,
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. On Saturday West Ham visit Hull City, one place
above them and fourth from bottom of the Premier League, and the crisis
appears to be spreading. But, as with their position in the table, the
club's plight is not as disastrous as some believe. On the field, West Ham
are playing reasonably well, even if the results are not there yet. There is
confidence in the manager, Gianfranco Zola, and a determination to prove
that relegation fears will soon pass. Time will tell. Off the field,
fortunes are improving. That may appear counter-intuitive. After all, why
would CB Holdings, the company formed by creditors which runs West Ham, have
appointed Rothschild and Standard Bank to seek out new investors? And it was
not so long ago that Napoli, aware of Zola's disenchantment, tried to tempt
him, technical director Gianluca Nani and chief executive Scott Duxbury to
leave Upton Park. That process of sifting through potential investors – and
would-be buyers – is almost complete and the strong likelihood is that the
banks will be stood down without a deal being done. Talks have taken place
with at least three parties: Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, former
Birmingham City co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and a consortium
fronted by a company called the Intermarket Group.
Fernandes, the founder of Air Asia and a West Ham fan, has been the closest
to taking a stake and was even introduced to Zola. Indeed, at one stage it
appeared likely he would acquire a 51 per cent stake in the club. West Ham
chairman Andrew Bernhardt even flew to Kuala Lumpur to try to seal the deal
but an agreement on price could not be reached. Fernandes remains interested
and has been back in contact with Bernhardt but, as yet, nothing has been
settled. The other two parties are being treated with greater scepticism and
there is a general sense at West Ham, and with Straumur, the troubled
Icelandic bank that is CB Holdings' biggest shareholder, that the investors
believe there is a bargain to be had and that the situation at the club is
far worse than is being let on.
They believe Bernhardt, who was appointed by Straumur and who has stuck to
his valuation, is, in effect, bluffing. There are reasons to believe he is
not. West Ham would like investment. It would mean, for example, that
instead of having to pay £3.5 million a year over the next five years to
Sheffield United because of the Tévez affair, they could renegotiate a
one-off settlement on better terms. Investment would mean that rather than
having to rely on funds generated by sales, which has been a struggle
between West Ham and Straumur, and income to acquire new players, they could
recruit more freely. But Straumur's own fortunes have improved, and that is
now helping West Ham. If they had needed to sell by now, they would have
done so. The bank is restructuring itself in Iceland and there is real hope
that it may soon come out of a moratorium – a suspension of payment to
creditors – to reflect its improved status. Negotiations with creditors are
continuing. Another extension beyond the December deadline should be agreed.
At the same time, CB Holdings has renegotiated the terms of a loan facility
at West Ham which has placed it on a more sound financial footing. As part
of that agreement, Straumur put in more than £5 million of new investment –
a prerequisite demanded by the banks who conducted the refinancing to show
goodwill – while the debts now stand at £38 million and are wholly
manageable with a turnover of around £90 million.
Furthermore, the club has dramatically cut its wage bill, which had grown
under previous chairman Eggert Magnusson, from £62 million to £38 million a
year. Of more immediate concern to supporters is the forthcoming January
transfer window. Again, there have been predictions of a fire-sale but
players such as Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami and Robert Green will not be
sold. The future of captain Matthew Upson, who was wanted by Liverpool and
Fiorentina last summer, is less certain because of his age and his
insistence on not signing a new contract. Still, Upson should stay until the
summer and will then try to find Champions League football. Magnusson had
promised that as well but, through his spending and Gudmundsson's financial
collapse, almost ruined the club.
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WEST HAM SCOTT PARKER COULD PLAY IN WORLD CUP SAYS GIANFRANCO ZOLA
Daily Star
21st November 2009 By David Yuill
SCOTT PARKER could still gatecrash England's World Cup squad, according to
his West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola. Zola, whose side travel to Hull in
today's relegation battle, reckons the 29-year-old is still one of the best
midfielders in the country. Parker has not played for the Three Lions since
the 2-0 defeat in Croatia back in 2006 under Steve McLaren. But the
hard-hitting former Chelsea, Newcastle and Charlton man has hit form under
Zola in London's East End.
Zola said: "For me, in his position, he is one of the best in the Premier
League. "As far as I'm concerned, he's always been playing well for me,
done a fantastic job for me and I'm trying to help him be even better. "He
shouldn't stop thinking that he can be an international because he is a good
player and excellent as a person in the group." Parker has a host of stars
ahead of him – including former team-mate Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard,
Gareth Barry and Michael Carrick – but Zola believes seeing his man board
the plane to South Africa is still possible. He said: "It's not my call.
It's Fabio Capello's. Obviously the team for Capello has done very well, so
it's not going to be easy for Parker. "What he has to do is keep playing
the way he is playing and a door may open. Football is football."
Parker will boss West Ham's midfield this afternoon as they take on Phil
Brown's struggling side. Zola says the return of England target man Carlton
Cole from injury will give the players a boost. He added: "Carlton Cole is
massive for this team. He is an important player. "Everybody, when he is in
the team, feels better. He will be vital for us."
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West Ham youngster Hines happy to choose England over Jamaica
21.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United revelation Zavon Hines has no doubts about declaring for
England. Hines left his native Jamaica at the age of seven and wasn't picked
up by West Ham until he turned 15. But after featuring in Jamaica's senior
squad, Hines has been outstanding for England U21 and sees his international
future with the Three Lions. He told The Sun: "I was called up by Jamaica
and it was brilliant to be a part of their squad. "But I am with England now
and that's what I want to stick with. It has been great to be involved with
the Under-21s this season. I guess that everything has come really quickly.
It has been a difficult club season so far but we certainly have the quality
to come through. The boss and Steve Clarke know what they are doing. "I am
convinced that the club will survive."
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Faubert: West Ham players not unsettled by transfer rumours
21.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
Julien Faubert insists all the transfer speculation swirling around Upton
Park isn't affecting West Ham United's players. The third-bottom Hammers,
who face lowly rivals Hull today, have been the subject of takeover talks.
While the likes of Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Herita Ilunga are being
linked with moves away from Upton Park. But right-back Faubert said: "We
don't talk about all the speculation in the changing room. "We are only
thinking about our situation, the games ahead and what is best for the club.
I'm only concentrating on getting us out of this mess. "We have
international players who are very good so I don't know why we aren't doing
better. "We need to improve our levels, work hard but I don't know why it
hasn't happened for us. "We just need to win a game and we'll be OK."
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