West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers - Follow LIVE text commentary

30 January 2010 15:00
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers

Follow every kick as West Ham United take on Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park in the Premier League
on 30-Jan-2010, kick off time 15:00

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers Live

Match Preview

West Ham United face Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park and they will be looking to grab a win to move away from the foot of the table.

Manager Gianfranco Zola will still be ruing Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Portsmouth with his side in the driving seat for much of the game.

Matthew Upson had opened the scoring in bizarre fashion only for Danny Webber's leveller to peg them back.

However, despite the minor setback, the Hammers, under new owners David Sullivan and David Gold, should be in optimistic mood knowing they are now guided by the duo who seem keen to eradicate the club's debt, which is thought to be around £110million.

On the playing front, Guillermo Franco and Kieron Dyer (both hamstring), Zavon Hines (knee), Calum Davenport (thigh) and Luis Boa Morte (cruciate ligament) all remain in the treatment room.

Striker Carlton Cole made a welcome return in the midweek clash at Pompey and he is expected to lead the line on Saturday with the Hammers without a league win in their last three fixtures.

A win for United could see them move away from the relegation places as they sit in 16th spot, level on points with Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are directly below them on goal difference.

Blackburn will have been buoyed by that their 2-1 victory against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday ensured back-to-back league wins as their fine home form continued.

A late strike from Nikola Kalinic proved to be the winner and the Croatia star will be looking to get amongst the goals once again.

Despite this, Rovers' away problems continue to grow. They have won just once away from Ewood Park this term and have collected just two points from the last five games on their travels.

Source: DSG