McCarthy primed for Hammers test

08 January 2010 15:40
The Hammers are undoubtedly the surprise strugglers this season and they are currently a point below Wolves, whom they beat 2-0 on the opening day of the season at Molineux.[LNB]But McCarthy has been around long enough to know that Upton Park is always a tough place to go, no matter what kind of form West Ham are in.[LNB]McCarthy, who has refused to comment on reports he has made a bid for Hull midfielder Stephen Hunt, said: "I saw their game against Arsenal and they are a force to be reckoned with at Upton Park.[LNB]"They always have been. They are always a good side at home. Results this time might suggest otherwise but on their day at Upton Park they are terrific.[LNB]"It is a difficult place to go and play because the crowd are right on you, they are partisan.[LNB]"They get a fantastic crowd and it can be a tough place to play. But they have had mixed results this season and that is the reason they are where they are. Just like us, mixed results."[LNB]Wolves follow the trip to West Ham with a crucial home encounter against Wigan and McCarthy is not hiding from the fact that in terms of the whole season they are crucial games in the battle to avoid relegation.[LNB]"These next two games do look vital and you can't argue with that," added McCarthy.[LNB]"They are very important for all the three clubs involved, not just us. The three of us are right together and they are hugely important, of course they are.[LNB]"We don't approach these kind of games any differently than any others but they are harder games emotionally, they are harder games because[LNB]the pressure is on us to win them.[LNB]"The games against the top sides, the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are harder physically because they move you around and make you run.[LNB]"But emotionally, the hard ones are the teams who are in and around us.[LNB]"The two games coming up, starting against West Ham, are going to be pulling on the heartstrings and the butterflies are going to be clumping around.[LNB]"That is where the pressure, the stresses, strains and emotional pressure comes from.[LNB]"But then that is what we have to cope with.[LNB]They are great games for us."[LNB][LNB] West Ham v Wolves. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk