West Ham United v Sunderland - LIVE

10 April 2010 14:27
West Ham United v Sunderland

Follow every kick as West Ham United take on Sunderland at Upton Park in the Premier League
on 10-Apr-2010, kick off time 15:00

West Ham United v Sunderland Live

Match Preview

The battle for Premier League survival is heating up and West Ham United need to win this crucial home game if they want to keep up the pressure on those around them also fighting for their top-flight status.

Gianfranco Zola's men can take heart from a hard earned point at Everton last week and having won their last five home league games against Sunderland, the Irons will be confident ahead of this game.

Steve Bruce's charges have not won in 15 away games in the league, losing 11 of these and with little left to play for this season, a home win should be on the cards.

However the Hammers will be without key playmaker Scott Parker after he picked up his 10th yellow card of the season and a two-game ban.

Parker said: "I'm very disappointed to miss two games having been sitting on a 10th yellow card for six or seven games.

"It is going to be tough for the rest of the season, but we are up for it. I hope we can push on. We all deserve it - players and fans - and hopefully we can go on and do that.

"When I come back I'm sure we will be in a good position and kick on."

Andy Reid has returned to training for Sunderland although this game could be a week too early for the Irishman. Despite making limited appearances this season Boudewijn Zenden scored a great goal last week against Tottenham and Bruce is keen to keep the Dutchman at the club.

Bruce said: "Bolo is probably a bit disappointed he hasn't started more. To be fair, when I was looking for him to start games, if I look back at the records, he picked up a couple of niggly injuries.

"And the one thing he has helped me with is the development of the young players. If you watch him as an older pro, he's a great pro.

Source: DSG