Preview: West Ham v Burnley

westham.jpgWest Ham head into tomorrow's home clash against Burnley without captain Matthew Upson.

The England defender has picked up a hamstring strain that could rule him out for several weeks, with Scott Parker set to take the captain's armband.

It means a likely return to action for James Tomkins, who has recovered from a groin strain. He should partner Manuel Da Costa at the heart of the Hammers back four.

Also in line for a return is long-term absentee Kieron Dyer. The pacy midfielder has not yet featured this season but he successfully came through a reserve team fixture on Tuesday night.

Alessandro Diamanti, who missed last Saturday's draw at Hull with a hip problem, is fit again and is likely to be used as an impact player from the bench, Gianfranco Zola's preferred role for him.

Burnley last beat West Ham in 1978 and the Irons will be out to maintain that record as they look to pick up the points to move them away from the Premier League relegation zone.

West Ham (from): Green, Kurucz, Ilunga, Faubert, Tomkins, Spector, Da Costa, Daprela, Gabbidon, Collison, Noble, Parker, Behrami, Stanislas, Jiminez, Kovac, Dyer, Cole, Franco, Hines, Nouble.

Date: Saturday, November 28

Venue: Boleyn Ground

Kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Chris Foy

Travel: Nearest Underground station is Upton Park (District line). There are engineering works on the Tube network this weekend, and the District line is shut between Earls Court and Whitechapel.

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