Preview: West Ham v Aston Villa

Gianfranco Zola has relatively few injury worries for the clash, which will be televised live on Setanta.

Danny Gabbidon and Dean Ashton are both still out with long-term injuries while Kieron Dyer, who played 45 minutes of a reserve team game last week, is still missing after picking up a virus.

Diego Tristan is still to gain enough fitness to start for the Hammers but could again be named on the bench.

The Irons will be boosted by last Sunday's 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Craig Bellamy finding the back of the net.

Villa could feature former Hammers stars Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood, who both played in Wednesday's 3-1 UEFA Cup defeat against Hamburg.

Martin O'Neill put out a weakened side against the Germans but will be sure to put out his first choice side as he looks to consolidate the Villans top four place in the Premier League.

The sides last met in May in an entertaining 2-2 draw in the final game of the campaign.

West Ham (from): Green, Lastuvka, Upson, Neill, Ilunga, Faubert, Collins, Behrami, Noble, Parker, Etherington, Di Michele, Sears, Tristan, Lopez, Davenport, Bowyer, Mullins, Boa Morte, Collison, Bellamy, Cole.

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, L Young, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Knight, Shorey, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Sidwell, A Young, Reo-Coker, Gardner, Osbourne, Salifou, Agbonlahor, Delfouneso, Harewood.

Date: Saturday, December 20.

Kick-off: 5.30pm.

Venue: Boleyn Ground.

Nearest Tube: Upton Park (District Line)

Referee: Mark Halsey