Preview: West Ham v Manchester City
West Ham entertain Manchester City on Sunday in the last game of what has been a turbulent season at Upton Park.
Neither side has much to play for apart from some prize money and their pride, so fans could be forgiven for expecting a footballing exhibition, although they might not get one.
The Irons are guaranteed Premier League football next season, while City's defeat by Tottenham on Wednesday meant they missed out on Champions League qualification but will be in the UEFA Europa League next term.
The Hammers have endured a wretched time on and off the field, with well-documented financial troubles, a relegation battle and a deteriorating relationship between manager Gianfranco Zola and co-chairman David Sullivan.
It could be Zola's last game in charge of the Hammers, with the Italian looking set to leave this summer.
He will want to go out with a bang, although he will be without a number of players once again.
Valon Behrami is the lastest injury victim. The Swiss midfielder picked up a knee injury at Fulham last Sunday.
West Ham learned today that Welsh midfielder Jack Collison will be out for nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee cartilage. Collison has not played since the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United in February.
Meanwhile, Zavon Hines, Herita Ilunga and Kieron Dyer all miss out.
James Tomkins and Luis Boa Morte could both be in the matchday squad after featuring in Tony Carr's testimonial at the Boleyn on Wednesday.
Manchester City are likely to include West Ham old boys Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy in their squad, with the former likely to get a warmer reception than the latter.
West Ham (from): Green, Kurucz, Stech, Gabbidon, Upson, Tomkins, Da Costa, Daprela, Spector, Faubert, Parker, Kovac, Noble, Boa Morte, Stanislas, Diamanti, Cole, Franco, Mido, Ilan, McCarthy.
Date: Sunday, May 9
Venue: Boleyn Ground
Kick-off: 4pm
Travel: Nearest station is Upton Park (District line). There are line closures on the London Underground network. Visit tfl.gov.uk for details.
Older/Newer
« Fitzpatrick: Victory for the underdog | Election 2010: council results »
Read The Wharf E-Edition
Leave a comment