Preview: West Ham v Tottenham
West Ham have the first part of a tricky derby double-header when Premier League leaders Tottenham visit Upton Park on Sunday.
The Irons will have to be at their defensive best to deal with Spurs' free-scoring attack, which put five past Hull in midweek.
The game, which kicks off at 1.30pm, comes barely 48 hours before the Hammers meet Millwall in a second round Carling Cup clash.
Gianfranco Zola has almost a full squad to choose from, with Herita Ilunga seemingly recovered from a knock picked up in last Saturday's 2-0 win at Wolves.
Radoslav Kovac, signed on a three year deal last week, should be included in the squad, while James Collins - linked with a move to Stoke earlier this week - could also feature.
Valon Behrami is unlikely to play but the Swiss midfielder could be in the bench for the Millwall game.
The Irons missed out on a midweek game when their scheduled fixture with Aston Villa was postponed due to the Birmingham club's European commitments, so Zola's men will be keen to get back into action.
Tottenham's attack will be led by former West Ham star Jermain Defoe, assuming he isn't stopped by the police yet again on his way to the Boleyn.
The England striker, who scored a hat-trick against Hull, is assured of a special welcome from the home fans, as is ex-Hammer's boss Harry Redknapp, now in charge of Spurs.
Supporters travelling to the game should note that planned engineering works on the District line have been postponed, so Upton Park station will be open.
West Ham (from): Green, Kurucz, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Faubert, Tomkins, Spector, Dyer, Parker, Noble, Jiminez, Collison, Stanislas, Payne, Kovac, Savio, Cole, Nouble, Hines.
Venue: Boleyn Ground
Date: Sunday, August 23
Kick off: 1.30pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Nearest station: Upton Park (District line)
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