Cleverley back for Hammers clash

26 November 2010 08:26
After sitting out the game with Manchester United due to his ineligibility, Tom Cleverley comes back into the fold for this weekend's clash with West Ham United. The 21 year old midfielder couldn't play in the Old Trafford defeat as he is on loan from Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Given his recent burst of form in the first team, Latics boss Roberto Martinez is pleased to have the England under 21 international at his disposal ahead of the visit to West Ham. Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post: “Prior to Manchester United, we had two very solid games at home that Tom was very influential in. But missing out on Saturday means he has been able to re-energise himself and make himself ready to go this weekend. “It’s such a massive positive to have Tom available for selection. He is physically very strong and has an excellent understanding of the game.” Victor Moses will also be pressing for a place in the first team given his match winning goal against West Bromwich Albion a fortnight ago. Martinez will of course be without the suspended duo of Hugo Rodallega and Antolin Alcaraz. Rodallega is set to sit out three games after his two footed tackle at Old Trafford, whilst Alcaraz will miss just the one game after picking up two bookings in the same match. Franco Di Santo is expected to come in up front in place of Rodallega, whilst Steven Gohouri is likely to move to centre back with Ronnie Stam dropping to right back in the absence of Alcaraz. Emmerson Boyce is also another possible player who may make the game, but the club are said to be taking no chances with the Barbadian after he suffered a hamstring strain against Liverpool a month ago. Gary Caldwell has been making good progress after straining his quad muscle in the West Brom victory, whilst James McCarthy is the only long term absentee following his ankle operation. CLICK HERE FOR THE MESSAGEBOARD

Source: FOOTYMAD