Premier League: West Ham v Sunderland match preview
A look ahead to this weekend's fixture at Upton Park
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sam Allardyce has billed West Ham’s next fixture as "critical" as bottom side Sunderland travel to Upton Park, with the Hammers hovering only one place above the relegation zone in 17th. West Ham are in desperate need of a win after suffering back to back defeats away at Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Allardyce has said that he believes he has the full backing of the board despite only managing three wins in the Premier League so far this season.
For Sunderland manager, Gus Poyet, the honeymoon period is over and he will be hoping to get back to winning ways after losing to Spurs at home last weekend. The Black Cats have only picked up two points on their travels this season and the Uruguayan manager will surely be eager to seal Sunderland’s first away victory this season at Upton Park.
West Ham will have to do without their captain, Kevin Nolan, after he received a three match ban for his sending off against Liverpool, however, Ravel Morrison makes a timely return from suspension and will be available for selection. Sunderland will be hoping Carlos Cuellar (hip) is available for the trip to London, but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) remains doubtful.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS
Sunderland 3 (Larsson, Johnson, McClean) West Ham 0, Premier League, Jan 2013
West Ham 1(Nolan) Sunderland 1(Fletcher), Premier League, September, 2012
West Ham 0 Sunderland 3 (Zenden, Sessegnon, Riveros), Premier League, May 2011
STATS…
West Ham
Total goals scored: 13
Total conceded: 17
Top Scorer: Ravel Morrison on 3 league goals
Sunderland
12 goals
30 goals conceded (worst defence in the Premier League)
Top Scorer: Bardsley, Giaccherini, Fletcher, Gardner on 2 goals each.
ODDS…
West Ham win: 1.95
Sunderland win: 3.9
Draw: 3.4
TV: Highlights on BBC1 MOTD at 10.25pm
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments