Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill wary of Hammers test
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has warned his side to be wary of West Ham when they clash at Upton Park.[LNB] Villa travel to East London on Wednesday knowing a win will put them fourth in the Premier League, while the Hammers are languishing in 19th with just seven points from 10 games.[LNB]Gianfranco Zola's side surrendered a two-goal lead against 10-man Sunderland at the weekend, but O'Neill insists his Villa side should not underestimate their opponents.[LNB]"Am I surprised by the start they have made? I would have expected them to have more points," he said.[LNB]"I have seen them quite a few times this season. I was obviously looking when there was a possibility that James Collins would be available so I saw them early season.[LNB]"I might have seen West Ham four times this season against Tottenham, Blackburn, Manchester City and Arsenal.[LNB]"I would think they should have more points on the board but I thought their fightback against Arsenal was fantastic.[LNB]"So back at Upton Park I would expect them to be a really tough test."[LNB]RecallO'Neill could recall striker John Carew to the starting line-up after he came off the bench at Goodison Park to grab Villa's equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Everton last weekend.[LNB]It was the Norwegian's first league goal of the season and his manager hopes he can build on that and add to his tally.[LNB]"That goal will do John the world of good," O'Neill added. "I just think getting goals for a centre forward is brilliant news."[LNB]However, O'Neill does have some selection problems for the clash as right-back Carlos Cuellar is suspended after being sent-off at Everton, while midfielders Stiliyan Petrov (shin) and James Milner (calf) are doubts.[LNB]"Stiliyan is sore. I will give him every opportunity to recover but James is extremely doubtful," he said.[LNB]"He was feeling very tight after last week's Carling Cup tie at Sunderland. It seemed to recur and it was hindering in the first-half at Everton.[LNB]"Hopefully with the strength in depth that we have players can come in and do well.[LNB]"But being without Stiliyan and James would be a serious loss to our midfield."[LNB]
