All the early team news and background for Saturday afternoon's return to
Barclays Premier League action
25.04.2008
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 26 April
3pm
Referee: Uriah Rennie
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference and live commentary to come
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
Introduction
* West Ham United, tenth in the Barclays Premier League, welcome 12th-placed
Newcastle United looking to make it two home wins in a week and preserve
their long-standing hold on a position in the top half of the table.
Newcastle are one of the division's form teams and are bidding for a fourth
straight clean sheet.
* A home win and failure by Tottenham Hotspur to defeat Bolton Wanderers at
home would secure United at least a top-ten finish for the campaign. Three
points for Alan Curbishley's side would take them to within two points of
ninth-placed Blackburn Rovers, who go to high-flying Portsmouth on Sunday
afternoon.
* The match falls exactly on the 50th anniversary of the 3-1 win at
Middlesbrough on 26 April 1958 that sealed promotion back to the top flight
for the first time in 26 years and paved the way for the golden era of the
mid-1960s. It also meant Bobby Moore began his first-team career the
following season as a top-flight player.
* Moore's memory will be honoured with Saturday's game as the club has
dedicated the match to raising money and awareness for the Bobby Moore Fund
for Cancer Research. Collections will be taking place around the stadium
while Bobby's widow Stephanie Moore will speak to the crowd just ahead of a
video being played on the big screen to promote the good work of the fund.
* A win would keep United at least five points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in
eleventh and Newcastle in 12th with just two fixtures remaining. Of those
final games, one is at home (Aston Villa, 11 May) and one is away
(Manchester United, 3 May).
* George McCartney made his 50th consecutive appearance in all club
competitions in last weekend's 2-1 win against Derby County - dating back to
the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers on 17 March 2007.
* At least one win from the final three games would take West Ham United to
the 50-point mark in the top flight - something the club has only managed
seven times in the previous 14 seasons since 1992/93.
* West Ham United have been in the top half of the table for all but one
week since the middle of November.
* The last time West Ham United finished a top-flight campaign with a
positive goal difference was the 1985/86 season (+34). The club is currently
-5
* West Ham United have not won in any of the last eight meetings, having
lost five and drawn three, between the clubs - all of which came in the top
flight.
* The last win came on 23 September 2001 with a 3-0 success at the Boleyn
Ground, when Nolberto Solano and Craig Bellamy both started for the
visitors. Don Hutchison opened the scoring on 18 minutes, Paolo Di Canio
added a second on 53 minutes before Frederic Kanoute wrapped up the win
eight minutes from time.
* Newcastle have won on their last two visits to the Boleyn Ground and are
second in the division's form table, having amassed 14 points from a
potential 18 on offer in the last six games.
Last match
* Alan Curbishley's men were 2-1 winners against Derby County. Bobby
Zamora's first goal of the season set the home side on their way before
former Hammers defender Tyrone Mears equalised midway through the second
half but substitute Carlton Cole hit the winner in the 77th minute, just
three minutes after coming on.
West Ham United 2-1 Derby County (19 April): Green, Pantsil, Neill, Tomkins,
McCartney, Faubert (Solano 78), Noble, Parker, Ljungberg (Boa Morte 90),
Sears (Cole 74), Zamora
Subs not used: Walker, Mullins
Goals: Zamora 20, Mears 65, Cole 77
Newcastle United 2-0 Sunderland (19 April): Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose
Enrique (Edgar 87), Geremi, Butt, Barton, Owen, Viduka (Carroll 76), Martins
(Duff 70)
Subs not used: Forster, Smith
Goals: Owen 4, 45 pen
Team News
* Dean Ashton has trained all week after recovering from tonsillitis. He
will compete with last week's goalscorers Bobby Zamora and Carlton Cole,
along with Freddie Sears, for a starting berth.
* Matthew Upson and Jonathan Spector both missed the Derby win after pulling
out the day before. Anton Ferdinand sat out against Derby with a hamstring
injury suffered at Bolton.
* John Pantsil, Lucas Neill and James Tomkins, on his first home start, all
began against Derby and will hope to keep their places although club captain
Neill may revert to his more familiar right-back position depending if any
of the above trio are able to return at centre-back.
* Mark Noble and Freddie Ljungberg both played against Derby after
recovering from hamstring injuries that caused them to miss the previous two
fixtures.
* Julien Faubert got a valuable 78 minutes against Derby after calf muscle
trouble, having not figured since 1 March. Matthew Etherington, after his
abdominal problems that have kept him out since 9 February, is also back in
training.
* Lee Bowyer is making good progress after his groin surgery and could
return to training soon.
* With regard to long-termers James Collins (knee), Danny Gabbidon
(abdominal), Calum Davenport (neck), Nigel Quashie (foot), Kieron Dyer
(double broken leg) and Craig Bellamy (abdominal), all are said to be making
progress.
* Newcastle have been able to field the same starting eleven in five of the
last six games although Keegan also has James Milner (foot), Stephen Carr
(hamstring), Claudio Cacapa (knee) and Emre back as well. Shay Given and
Peter Ramage (both groin) are not thought to be ready to return.
* While Bobby Zamora could make his 150th start for the home side, Nicky
Butt is in line for a century of starts in black and white.
Background
* After 35 games last season, West Ham United were three points from safety
and had just 32 points compared to the 47 they have achieved from the same
number of matches this campaign.
* West Ham United and Newcastle last met at St James' Park on 23 September
2007 when two Mark Viduka (2 and 41) goals sandwiched a volleyed Dean Ashton
effort on 32 minutes. Charles N'Zogbia wrapped up the win for the Magpies,
then under Sam Allardyce's stewardship, with a 76th-minute strike.
* Allardyce parted company with Newcastle in January, having been appointed
the previous May. He was replaced by Kevin Keegan, who had left St James'
Park almost exactly eleven years previously after a hugely successful first
spell.
* The lineups were:
Newcastle United: Harper, Beye, Cacapa (Taylor 78), Rozehnal, N'Zogbia ,
Smith, Geremi, Butt, Milner, Owen (Martins 51 ), Viduka (Jose Enrique 73)
Subs not used: Given, Faye
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble,
Mullins (Ljungberg 62), Etherington (Spector 80), Cole (Camara 68), Ashton
Subs not used: Wright, Collins
* McCartney has now made 41 appearances this season in all competitions. He
has not missed a match since sitting out the 4-3 home defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur on 4 March 2007 - an unbroken run of 50 games.
* McCartney is the only West Ham United player who has featured in every
league and cup game to date, starting in each one.
* In terms of the Premier League, only Green has played every minute of the
35 matches.
* Cole, on nine cautions for the season, is no longer under the threat of a
two-match ban as suspensions for ten yellow cards stopped taking effect
after the second Sunday in April - which came with the trip to Bolton.
* No Newcastle player has appeared in every top-flight game this season.
* Ashton, with eight goals, seven in the league, is the club's leading
scorer. Michael Owen, who scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win at the Boleyn
Ground on 17 December 2005, has a dozen goals for the campaign, with ten of
those coming in the top flight.
* Bowyer, Dyer and Bellamy will all not face their former club because of
injury but Solano and Scott Parker could feature. The former has had two
spells in the north-east, making a total of 315 league and cup appearances,
scoring 48 goals. The latter played a total of 73 times in all competitions,
scoring six goals, in two years from June 2005. All but Bowyer moved to the
Boleyn Ground last summer.
* After this week's contest which will do much to resolve issues of
mid-table superiority, both clubs could have a major say in the title race
next time out. West Ham United will be in action on Saturday 3 May when they
travel to Manchester United for a 12.45pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United are at home to Chelsea from 8pm on Monday 5 May.
* Among those in the crowd will be Robert Lee, who played for both clubs as
well as serving under both managers (Keegan at Newcastle, Curbishley at
Charlton Athletic). His son Oliver is part of Tony Carr's successful
Under-18 side at the Boleyn Ground.
* On 21 April 1986, West Ham United were 8-1 home winners against Newcastle
when Alvin Martin famously scored a hat-trick against three different
goalkeepers, including stand-in Peter Beardsley.
Last six Barclays Premier League meetings
23 September 2007: Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United
20 January 2007: Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
17 September 2006: West Ham United 0-2 Newcastle United
17 December 2005: West Ham United 2-4 Newcastle United
20 August 2005: Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
11 January 2003: West Ham United 2-2 Newcastle United
All-time record versus Newcastle: W 36 D 33 L 47
Weekend fixtures (all kick-offs 3pm unless stated)
Saturday 26 April
Birmingham City v Liverpool
Chelsea v Manchester United (12.45pm)
Manchester City v Fulham
Sunderland v Middlesbrough
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers
Wigan Athletic v Reading
Sunday 27 April
Everton v Aston Villa (4pm)
Portsmouth v Blackburn Rovers (1.30pm)
Monday 28 April
Derby County v Arsenal (8pm)
General information
Tickets: This match is SOLD OUT. For general ticket information, click here.
For details of getting to the Boleyn Ground, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a sunny afternoon. The temperature is set to
peak around the 19C mark.
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Captain's Blog - Moore in spotlight - WHUFC
Lucas Neill updates the latest from the West Ham United camp in his regular
whufc.com online diary
25.04.2008
We had a golf day this week, organised fantastically by Tony Cottee, with
one current or former West Ham United player per team playing with three
supporters, testing themselves on a tough course. As always on these days
there are some dubious handicaps being thrown about and some of the club
house scores had a massive question mark over them ie: Jimmy Walker's team!
But the weather was great and the company was good. We thank the London Club
for their hospitality, Tony Cottee and his team for their organisation and
the supporters who participated. We also raised over £2,000 to split between
our club charities the Richard House Hospice and Bobby Moore Fund.
On the subject of Bobby Moore, this weekend's match is dedicated to raising
money and awareness for the charity that was set up in his memory. There
will be collections going on around the ground so I urge supporters to give
generously, but not only that pick up a leaflet and watch the DVD that will
be played before the match to educate yourselves about bowel cancer. It goes
without saying Bobby Moore is a true legend of the game and held in the
highest regard especially at West Ham and he left behind him a great legacy.
Be true to his memory at the weekend by supporting this very worthwhile
cause.
I welcome the players, staff and fans of Newcastle. With three games to go
there is still plenty to play for this season and they will not come any
tougher than Newcastle at home who are undefeated in the last six and on a
very good run of form. Kevin Keegan seems to be getting the balance right
and with Owen, Martins and Viduka looking sharp and playing in a dovetail
formation, we will have to be at our best to contain them.
With two very difficult games coming up after this it is vital we do not
lose the game this weekend to ensure we keep a gap between eleventh and
tenth place. It's been a frustrating season for everyone involved with the
club but I think it would be unjustified for us not to finish tenth as that
is the least everyone deserves.
On reflection it has been a difficult couple of weeks with the same problems
occurring i.e. injuries and that has forced the manager's hand with team
selection and rushing players back in who are not quite match fit. Losing
Matthew Upson and Jonathan Spector the day before the Derby game was a huge
blow and ultimately it has effected the team's confidence and has resulted
in a very frustrating time for all. However, the changing room spirit is
very high, the lads are very much together and I think that is the one thing
that has remained strong and evident throughout all the tests that have been
thrown at us.
It was a strange atmosphere last Saturday. It was obvious confidence was low
against a team who we should have beaten convincingly and although the
performance was below par I think the spirit that we have got us the result
in the end. I do sympathise with the terraces however, being booed off by a
minority of fans when you have won is a hard one to weigh up. It has hurt
the boys but we will respond in the right manner this weekend. I do send a
message out to those who booed Luis Boa Morte before he had even come on the
field, there is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour towards a
player who, by his own admission, may have struggled with form this season
but has always given 100 per cent effort for the team. West Ham as a club,
supporters and players alike, are bigger and better than that and I urge you
to stay positive and help us finish the season in the top half.
Lucas Neill
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West Ham v Newcastle - BBC
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 26 April Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: BBC
Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live & highlights on Match of the Day
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley will have a similar squad to choose from for
the visit of Newcastle. Dean Ashton has been in full training this week and
could return after missing last week's win over Derby.
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has no new injury concerns and only has minor
knocks to concern him. Emre (calf), Stephen Carr (hamstring), Claudio Cacapa
(groin), Peter Ramage (knee) and James Milner (foot) are all nearing
returns.
West Ham (from): Green, Pantsil, McCartney, Tomkins, Neill, Faubert, Solano,
Noble, Parker, Ljungberg, Boa Morte, Sears, Cole, Zamora, Upson, Ferdinand,
Collison, Mullins, Ashton, Walker, Spector.
Newcastle (from): Harper, Forster, Beye, Enrique, Taylor, Faye, Edgar, Butt,
N'Zogbia, Duff, Barton, Geremi, Owen, Smith, Martins, Viduka, Carroll.
• West Ham captain Lucas Neill: "With three games to go there is still
plenty to play for and they will not come any tougher than Newcastle at
home.
"They are undefeated in their last six games and are on a good run of form.
"Kevin Keegan seems to be getting the balance right and with Owen, Martins
and Viduka looking sharp we will have to be at our best to contain them."
• Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan: We set a target six or seven games ago to win
the mini-league in the bottom half of the table, and that's still our
intention.
"That's the only league we can win - we cannot get into Europe, we cannot
get into the top four or anything like that, but we are trying to win that
mini-league, and that will allow us to finish 12th at least. "Maybe,
depending on other results for the teams above us, we might even sneak into
11th if it really went well and they dropped points. "There is still a lot
to play for."
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Hammers land first summer signing - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 25th April 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have beaten a host of clubs to the signature of 17-year-old
Icelandic centre-half Hólmar Örn Eyjólfsson according to reports. Reports in
today's Icelandic press confirm that United have won the race to sign the
highly-rated young defender, who was also interesting Bayern Munich, amongst
others.
Both Fotbolti and Visor have confirmed this morning that the Hammers have
agreed an undisclosed fee with Eyjólfsson's current club, HK Kópavogur.
The defender made his debut for HK in the Icelandic Premiership aged just
16, and is already a regular for his nation's under 21s although he also
featured for the under 17s and under 19s last season. In addition to
featuring regularly at international level Eyjólfsson was named in UEFA's
team of the tournament at last year's under 17s Championship where he was
deployed in a defensive midfield role, a position he is equally comfortable
in. Fotbalti also confirm that Eyjólfsson spent a week on trial with United
back in February, and after rejecting an initial offer he has since agreed
terms with the club.
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West Ham v Newcastle preview - SSN
The Hammers have not beaten The Magpies in last eight attempts
Last updated: 25th April 2008
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 1 Newcastle 1
Skybet odds:
West Ham 7/5 Draw 11/5 Newcastle 15/8
West Ham United host Newcastle United at Upton Park on Saturday in a
mid-table Premier League clash. Both sides are safe from the dreaded drop,
while neither can make a last-gasp effort for a European berth. However,
despite the lack of incentive, the fixture is set to be as competitive as
ever with the duo keen to finish their campaigns on a high. The Hammers have
suffered torridly with injuries this term, while their recent form - two
wins in nine games - has seen manager Alan Curbishley come in for criticism.
Last Saturday's triumph over Derby temporarily eased the pressure though,
and Curbishley will be keen to secure back-to-back league wins for the first
time since September 2007 with a success over Kevin Keegan's Magpies. After
a stuttering start to his Tyneside return, Keegan's side have recently
strung together some fine form, winning four of their last five matches. The
turnaround can be largely be attributed to Michael Owen's sharp displays in
front of goal - six strikes in six - while Newcastle's usually wobbly
defence has improved, managing three consecutive clean sheets for the first
time since May 2006.
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West Ham Utd Ltd car crash Management the cause for booing? - West Ham
Online
Bobby-Z_bags20 - Mon Apr 21 2008
The booing of a scrappy victory over Derby has been widely reported from an
otherwise non-important weekend game even as far as California, USA it was
debated on the live TV Soccer feature here as one of the lead stories from
the weekend of world football.
I personally think, as a Hammer of 40 years, that these last 8 years have
been one trial and tribulation after another from Redknapp and Rio, the
Roeder to relegation, losing cult players, Brown Out campaigns, nicking
Pardew from Reading, the play-off loss then scrapping into the final the
following year, losing the Cup Final, the Argentine influx, Terry Brown
leaving, the very visual Eggy, sacking Pardew. Curbishley arriving, the
Javier Mascherano treatment then losing him to Liverpool, the Sheffield Utd
saga, being public enemy No:1 fined £5 million, escaping certain relegation,
losing Tevez to Man Utd, Eggy being removed and replaced by a wall of
non-comment from the new Icelandic owners about their future intentions. The
team not showing enough spirit at Upton Park this season resulting in too
many home losses.
The booing I believe is a deeply set frustration with the club from the fans
because of this constant management chaos and it needs to be addressed by
the board in a declaration of intent for the future before this season
closes.
Its time they stood up and gave the fans some credit for staying the course
with them in their tens of thousands while they, the management, careered
from one self inflicted car crash to another damaging the club's reputation
wholesale along the way. The booing I believe is not because we struggled
against Derby or Cole replaced Sears - its time the club got itself in order
properly and spelled out that purpose to the fans who buy the season
tickets, pay the Sky/Setanta subscriptions and wear the expensive colours.
Wishful thinking eh?
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Hammers sign up talented youngster - Guardian Series
WEST Ham have signed sought-after 17-year-old Icelandic defender Holmar Orn
Eyjolfsson, according to reports today. The east Londoners have fought off a
number of top clubs, including German giants Bayern Munich, to land the
highly-rated youngster, according to the Icelandic press. Eyjolfsson, who
plays for HK Kopavogur, made his debut in the Icelandic Premiership aged
just 16 and is a regular with the nation's U21s side. He was also named in
UEFA's team of the tournament at last year's U17 European Championship. The
centre half reportedly spent a month training with the Hammers in February.
2:26pm today
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West Ham v NEWCASTLE: Same again for Keegan - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:57pm on 25th April 2008
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will look to field the same side yet again for
Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to West Ham. Keegan has only minor
knocks to concern him as he prepares for a game in which he hopes to extend
the club's unbeaten run to seven games. Emre (calf), Stephen Carr
(hamstring), Claudio Cacapa (groin), Peter Ramage (knee) and James Milner
(foot) are all nearing returns, while Shay Given (groin) is unlikely to play
again this season as he recovers from surgery.
Newcastle (from): Harper, Forster, Beye, Enrique, Taylor, Faye, Edgar, Butt,
N'Zogbia, Duff, Barton, Geremi, Owen, Smith, Martins, Viduka, Carroll.
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Ashton Agrees With Boo Boys - Vital Football
Dean Ashton shares his opinion on the West Ham boo-boys and says he'd love
to reward the Hammers faithful with an entertaining win against Newcastle
this weekend. 'It was a good win against Derby. It was by no means a
spectacular win but it doesn`t matter how they come as long as you get three
points. We would like to play better football and entertain the crowd a lot
more but there are other teams who have struggled against Derby this season.
'A lot has been said about the reception the team and the manager got from
the fans. Apparently there was a fair bit of booing. The fact they got a win
is the main thing but the fans pay a lot of money to watch games these days.
Sometimes you have got to come to expect a bad reception if you are not
playing as well as they anticipate. 'No one wants to win more than us and
injured players don`t want to be injured. They aren`t doing it on purpose
and a lot of them have injuries that are long-term. I know from my own
experience it can be hard to come back from injury. We want to win every
game and we don`t want to play poorly. We also have to hold our hands up.
There are games where we should have played better and we know that.'
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Striker Cole admits he may be on his way out - Guradian Series
By Rob Pritchard
CARLTON Cole has admitted he may be on his way out of West Ham this summer.
The former England Under-21 striker has featured regularly this term
following injuries to Bobby Zamora and Craig Bellamy, scoring six times in
34 league and cup appearances. New chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is tipped
to make sweeping cuts to the club's wage bill by selling a host of fringe
players during the summer. And despite netting the winner in last Saturday's
2-1 win over Derby County, the 24-year-old conceded that manager Alan
Curbishley may see his future elsewhere. "I don't know how it will affect
me. I don't know what he has in mind or what the new regime is going to be,"
said the one-time Chelsea youngster. "If he's going to make changes, I don't
know if I'm going to be involved. But I'm still here and I'm contracted for
another two years."
Cole said his desire to remain at Upton Park is matched by that of his
fellow fringe players, many of whom have stepped in and impressed during an
injury-ravaged season. "We've got to fight for our places all the time," he
insisted. "We've had a lot injuries this season and there's a few players
who haven't really played a big part. "They're going to want to be in the
team over next season and fight for their places so there's going to be a
lot of competition. "It's up to the manager who he decides to let go and who
he brings in. That's how football is. It's an unpredictable game. "You've
just got to be a professional about things and do things in a professional
manner."
Curbishley could be without 10 first team players for tomorrow's visit of
Newcastle United, but defenders Anton Ferdinand (hamstring), Matthew Upson
(calf) and Jonathan Spector and striker Dean Ashton (tonsillitis) could
return after missing last weekend's victory.
West Ham: (from) Green, Walker, Neill, Pantsil, McCartney, Ferdinand,
Tomkins, Upson, Mullins, Noble, Parker, Ljungberg, Solano, Faubert, Boa
Morte, Cole, Ashton, Sears, Zamora.
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West Ham chief Nani wants Hamsik reunion
tribalfootball.com - April 25, 2008
West Ham United are moving for Napoli midfield whiz Marek Hamsik. Chelsea
have already been quoted a price of £15 million for the Slovakia
international and Tuttosport says the Hammers are also in the frame. West
Ham's move for Hamsik is being driven by their new technical chief Gianluca
Nani, who first signed Hamsik for Brescia.
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Hamsik in Hammers link - Setanta
by Adam Marshall, 25 April 2008
Marek Hamsik's future at Napoli continues to be the subject of much debate
with West Ham the latest club linked with the midfielder. After rumours
circulated suggesting Chelsea wanted to sign the Slovakia star, there seems
to be some confusion over his contractual situation at the Serie A club.
Napoli suggested recently they had tied him to a new deal that will run
until 2013 but the player's agent has indicated that the contract has still
to be signed. "I do not confirm or deny the stories about Chelsea," said
agent Juraj Venglos this week. "The Blues have other worries now rather than
looking at the purchase of Marek. "Nevertheless, it is true that we are
close to signing a new contract with Napoli, which should happen in the
not-too-distant future.
"The new agreement will have better terms for the player and we talked
recently of its length." English clubs have been alerted by the possibility
of picking up Hamsik cheaply but it would appear that resolving the
contractual issue with Napoli is the priority.
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WEST HAM v Newcastle: Curbishley could call on Ashton - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:58pm on 25th April 2008
West Ham striker Dean Ashton has been in full training this week after
missing last week's win over Derby and could face Kevin Keegan's Newcastle
side.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has a similar squad to choose from for the
Barclays Premier League clash against Newcastle. Anton Ferdinand was ruled
out last week with a hamstring complaint.
West Ham (from): Green, Pantsil, McCartney, Tomkins, Neill, Faubert, Solano,
Noble, Parker, Ljungberg, Boa Morte, Sears, Cole, Zamora, Upson, Ferdinand,
Collison, Mullins, Ashton, Walker, Spector.
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WEST HAM v NEWCASTLE UNITED - GREEN BACKS HAMMERS VISION - CmonBoro.com
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green is committed to being part of the club's
ambitious "vision". Green was instrumental in helping the Hammers escape
Premier League relegation a year ago and his form over the past two seasons
has put him in the reckoning for an England place. Although a mid-table
Premier League finish is seen as a disappointment given West Ham's summer
investment, Green still feels there has been progress. "The vision that the
new board, the chairman and the chief executive have for the club is to be
up there with the best of them," Green said on the club's official website.
"I share that vision with them and I want to be a part of it with West Ham.
"Everyone at the club from the top to the bottom has got the vision in mind.
It is about taking things step by step and, as frustrating as this season
has been, it is still a step in the right direction. "Come 12 months ago,
everyone would have given everything they could to be in the position we are
in now. "In another 12 months, if we take as big a step as we have done in
the past 12 months, we are going to be looking a lot further upwards. That
is what I want to be part of."
Meanwhile, Nolberto Solano is looking forward to Saturday's visit of former
club Newcastle. He told the Hammers' official website: "I have a lot of
friends at Newcastle but we need to win to help us finish in a good
position. "We have to be professional, getting a win on Saturday is all we
are thinking about.
"It is nothing personal, although I had a great relationship with the fans
and had a great time there, but the only thing I will be thinking about is
helping us win the game. "I am proud to be a West Ham player. "We need to be
show a strong mentality, improve our play and create more chances for the
strikers to score. I hope we can improve that in the last three games."
In recent weeks Solano has been a regular on the bench - and he added: "When
I come in, I try to do my best. "We all want to start but if we are coming
off the bench we have to take our chance. "When I play, my first thing is to
assist the strikers to score goals. I just want to do my best for the team."
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Newcastle star fires West Ham warning - Sunderland Echo
Kevin Keegan takes his in-form side to Upton Park tomorrow looking to push
on after claiming the scalp of derby rivals Sunderland at St James's Park
last Sunday. The result made it six games unbeaten, and Taylor says he and
his team-mates are not thinking about their summer holidays just yet. The
22-year-old told the Echo: "They've had a lot of injuries this season, but
they got a good result, and I'm sure they'll want to finish the season on a
high.
"But we've just got to keep on performing like we have been doing, and we'll
let them worry about us. "If we keep playing the way we are, and don't get
ahead of ourselves, I think we'll be all right. "It's a big game, and if we
can take three points we'll be happy with that. "We'll try and catch them –
we'll give it our best shot – and there's no reason why we can't with three
games to go."
Taylor and Ashton have become good friends from their time at Under-21
level, and Taylor knows stopping the former Norwich City striker will be
crucial in deciding the outcome of the game. He said: "Dean's a good friend,
but for not for the 90 minutes at Upton Park."
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Let's not hear any booing tomorrow, West Ham manager Curbishley tells
frustrated fans ahead of Newcastle United clash - Daily Mail
by Oliver Pickup - More by this author »
Last updated at 11:56am on 25th April 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is disappointed by the fans who heckled his
team after last week's home win against relegated Derby County. He hopes to
silence those boo-boys by beating form team Newcastle United at Upton Park
tomorrow. The Hammers currently sit in tenth place – a far cry from the
position they were in this time last year when they were fighting for their
Premier League survival. And after a season struggling with injuries, the
West Ham boss believes that his squad have coped extremely well and that the
boos are wholly unfair. I have never seen a team win at home and then get
booed," said Curbishley. "It was really disappointing and doesn't do anyone
any good booing the players or the manager, because we are all in this
together. "There is a lot of frustration around the club at the moment but
we know that the fans were great this time last year – they were
instrumental in keeping us up, because of their support. Now we have to get
that back. "Last season we had a lot of bad publicity and we wanted a
settling down period this season. "The squad have played fantastically well,
and we have competed well in the Premier League. With everyone fit we know
we can be a lot stronger. "We have got to stick by each other – let's not
hear booing this weekend. Despite the injures we have managed to get the
wins, pick up the points and keep us in a decent position in the league." He
continued: "We have had constant change, and constant problems. I want a bit
of realism and appreciation. "When Newcastle come to town it makes for a
great atmosphere. We want to respond to the boos and get the result and send
everyone home happy. "The message to the fans is: We are all unhappy, but
get behind the players and the team. We are all in this together, and let's
see if we can finish the season strongly."
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West Ham v Newcastle preview - Setanta
by Alex Livie, 25 April 2008
There could well be an end of season feel at Upton Park on Saturday as West
Ham play host to Newcastle.
West Ham 11/8 Draw 21/10 Newcastle 13/8
Michael Owen to score first goal 5/1
Click here to bet with William Hill
The Hammers' season has long since fizzled out, while Newcastle have finally
woken from their slumber just in time to pull away from the drop zone.
Magpies chief Kevin Keegan has set his sights on finishing top of the bottom
half of the table and claiming a fifth win from their last six games would
move them to within two points of The Hammers. An unimpressive 2-1 win over
Derby last weekend snapped a three-game losing streak, but their record
against Newcastle is poor. West Ham have not beaten Newcastle since 2001 – a
run spanning eight games – and The Magpies have hit 11 goals in their last
four meetings with The Hammers. Michael Owen is a man in form for Newcastle,
with six goals in his last six league games, and he has a fine record
against The Hammers - 10 goals in 11 Premier League appearances. Nolberto
Solano will be a familiar face for Newcastle fans, having spent eight years
at the club in two spells, and he scored for The Magpies when the two sides
met at St James' Park last season.
Prediction 1-2
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Tomka takes aim to shoot down Magpies - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard
WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley has called on Basildon teenager James
Tomkins to help improve his horrific managerial record against Newcastle
United tomorrow. Curbishley has tasted victory just five times in 22 matches
against the Magpies with Charlton Athletic and the Hammers, including a run
of one win in his last 12 games. But the Irons boss believes young defender
Tomkins can play a big part in helping him secure a welcome success at Upton
Park. "I though that Tomkins had a good game against Derby," said the
manager. "He came in at Everton and got caught for the goal but, on
Saturday, he got stronger as the game wore on and I was really pleased with
him." The 19-year-old is expected to keep his place at the centre of the
Hammers' back-four, where he could be partnered by a fit-again Matthew Upson
if the England man can shake off a calf strain. And the England Under-19
international, who has appeared in three of the Irons' last five matches, is
keen to make the most of his end-of-term chances. "My first objective is to
play regularly for the first team," Tomkins, who also dismissed suggestions
that he could seek his future elsewhere if further first-team opportunities
did not materialise next season, told a disabled fans' forum this week. "I
am West Ham through and through. I have been here since I was eight years
old. My family background are all West Ham and I don't see myself anywhere
else." However, while his long-term plans are of great importance, for now
Tomkins is concentrating on securing the points the Hammers need to secure
tenth place, starting with a win over Kevin Keegan's side tomorrow. "It's
important to win the games we have got here and sort out next year when it
comes," said the mature youngster, who admitted he had yet to discuss his
future with Curbishley. "We're concentrating on the games ahead and we'll
leave next season to next season."
And Tomkins admits he is thoroughly enjoying being part of the first team
set-up, despite the club's indifferent recent results. "It's brilliant. I've
got great support around me. All the players are brilliant to me and have
confidence in me," he added. "That has given me confidence to try and
perform and play well. "A youngster being part of this club, a club that has
produced so many good players, is great to be a part of."
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Solano Hits Out At Bramble Comments! - newcastleutd-mad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Friday, 25th April 2008
Ex-Toon midfielder Nolberto Solano says he is desperate to line up against
his old club at Upton Park on Saturday. And adds Titus Bramble was wrong to
have a dig at the Toon Army this week. "Unfortunately, I did not get the
chance to say thanks to them when West Ham were up at St James's Park
earlier in the season, because I was not in the final 16. "I was actually at
the match, but because I wasn't involved I kept a low profile and stayed in
the stands.
"But while I'm not sure whether I'll start against Newcastle on Saturday, I
hope to be involved, and I would love to get the kind of reception Les
Ferdinand always seemed to get from the United fans. "And if the Toon Army
give me a good reception, and then boo me as soon as I touch the ball, then
that's fine with me! "When I was at Newcastle I always did my best for the
club, and I think they appreciate that. "I'm surprised if Titus (Bramble)
said anything bad about them, because they really are among the best in the
world, and in a way, the fans down in east London are just the same. "We
have so many injuries it reminds me of last season at St James's Park, and
it'll be a tough game for both sides. "After nearly being relegated last
season, we're hoping to finish in the top half of the Premier League this
time round, and if we can beat Newcastle, we'll probably manage this."
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Can Michael Score 3 At West Ham - Again? - nufcblog.com
Friday April 25th, 2008 by Ed Harrison
Michael Owen has only one hat-trick for Newcastle United in the last three
seasons. That was back in December, 2005, when Graeme Souness managed the
club, and Owen was partnered up front by Alan Shearer. We remember well how
they tore apart the West Ham defense on that day and we won the game more
easily than the 4-2 scoreline suggests. But Michael is now preparing to
return to Upton Park tomorrow, and he is scoring goals again with abandon,
six goals in six games for the England star. Michael spoke to Newcastle
World TV this week: "I remember the game was quite near my birthday and it
was my first hat-trick for the club," "In fact, that's my one and only
hat-trick." "I thought I was going to get another one against Sunderland
last week when I had two at half-time, but the chance never really came."
"It's my first time back to Upton Park and obviously I wouldn't mind a
repeat of the last time because we won 4-2 as well." "We're in a great run
at the moment and we're going into games not fearing anyone." "We are
confident and hopefully we can get at least a point at West Ham and maybe
even the win."
We need all 3 points at West Ham United tomorrow, that's the first priority.
But if Michael can indeed get a hat-trick he will really be the man of the
moment at Newcastle, although that's exactly what he is right now with his
important two goals that sealed our great win against rivals Sunderland last
Sunday. But Michael is in the form where it wouldn't really be a big
surprise if he netted three goals tomorrow. But are we dreaming?
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