Preview: Manchester City v West Ham
West Ham slipped into the bottom three of the Premier League over the weekend and face a difficult task to climb out again at Manchester City this evening.
Results meant the Hammers dropped down the table without playing a game but with just four points from their first five games the need to improve is urgent.
A visit to Eastlands is not what Gianfranco Zola would have wanted as he looks to build up some momentum, with big spending City pushing for a Champions League place and hungry for points.
Zola still has injury worries and Matthew Upson, Jack Collison and Luis Jiminez are all doubtful, while Valon Behrami is again ruled out.
But recent signing Guillermo Franco could be in line to make his Premier League bow.
It means the manager might name the same side that lost in last week's Carling Cup tie at Bolton.
A couple of familiar faces will await them on the field tonight and what Irons fans will be dreading most is former favourite Craig Bellamy scoring.
The Welsh striker left Upton Park in controversial circumstances in January, for a fee reported to be in the region of £14million, and he will be fired up to do well against his former employees.
Also likely to be in the City squad is former Hammer of the Year Carlos Tevez. The Argentina forward was crucial in helping the Irons escape relegation in 2007 but he could cause his old club problems tonight.
Last season's two encounters ended with honours even, City winning 3-0 in Manchester and West Ham nicking a 1-0 home win last March, Jack Collison scoring the winner.
West Ham (from): Green, Kurucz, Gabbidon, Spector, Faubert, Da Costa, Ilunga, Tomkins, Daprela, Dyer, Noble, Parker, Kovac, Payne, Stanislas, Cole, Nouble, Diamanti, Hines, Franco.
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium
Kick off: 8pm
Referee: Chris Foy
The game will be shown live on ESPN Sport.
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