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