Preview: West Ham v Wigan

By Simon Hayes on August 15, 2008 2:23 PM

WEST Ham start the new season at Upton Park tomorow, Saturday, August 16, with their injury list already lengthening.

Centre-back Anton Ferdinand is a doubt after damaging a hamstring against Ipswich last week, which means Callum Davenport looks set to partner Matthew Upson.

Skipper Lucas Neill is likely to start at left-back, which means a Premier League debut for £5million summer signing Valon Behrami at right-back.

Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy, Jon Spector, George McCartney, Danny Gabbidon and James Tompkins are all ruled out.

Dean Ashton will provide the main goal threat with either Carlton Cole or Freddie Sears lining up alongside him.

The Hammers will be looking for a better performance, and result, than they managed in the corresponding fixture last year, a 1-1 draw.

West Ham (from): Green, Stech, Neill, Ferdinand, Davenport, Etherington, Reid, Faubert, Parker, Noble, Behrami, Boa Morte, Ashton, Mullins, Cole, Sears, Collison, Hines.