West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Hammers to unleash duo

28 Sep 2007 - 08:23:48

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West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley is ready to pair his exciting strikeforce of Craig Bellamy and Dean Ashton together against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Hammers boss has named the pair in his starting line-up on two occasions this seasons as Ashton was feeling his way back to match-fitness following 12 months on the sidelines with a broken ankle.

But ahead of Saturday's visit of the league leaders to Upton Park, Curbishley is relishing the opportunity of reuniting his fully-fit main strike partnership.

"We started the season with Bobby Zamora and Bellamy, and then at Newcastle we had Carlton Cole and Ashton, so hopefully now we can get Bellamy and Ashton together," he said.

Ashton has netted three goals in his last three appearances, while Bellamy will return after missing the midweek Carling Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle with a slight hamstring problem.

However, Curbishley knows the visit of the in-form Gunners will be a major test for his side.

"They've made a fantastic start, and I watched them on Tuesday night when they made nine changes so we know they've got a fantastic squad," he continued.

"It's a proper game, with a great atmosphere, and everyone is looking forward to it.

"The one thing you know about Arsenal is that they will come and play their game. It will be difficult because they are a top side but we'll wait and see what happens."