Hammers v Latics Preview

Latics travel down to West Ham today with both Rodallega and Alcaraz suspended but the possible return of Gary Caldwell three weeks ahead of schedule could soften that blow somewhat.

Roberto Martinez will be looking to take all three points against a West Ham side that are at the bottom of the table, full of internal squabbling and with just one Premier League win this season they are in a desperate run of form.

The nutters that run the Hammers these days, Gold, Sullivan and Brady have decided to heap further pressure on the team by declaring that today`s game against the Latics is the `Save Our Season` game

No doubt Martinez will play it tight for the first 20/25 minutes adding further frustration to the home crowd, a win here today for the Latics could well end the Hammers season and that has got to be the aim of the Wigan manager.

The big question facing Latics fans is who will come into the team to replace the suspended Hugo Rodallega, both Mauro Boselli and Franco Di Santo must be chomping at the bit and undoubtedly both would benefit from a run in the side.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez

'It wasn't long ago when we last visited West Ham who were in a similar position then to what they are now.

'So we know what kind of atmosphere to expect but we also know that there position and results this season do not reflect the quality they have in their team.

'On more than one occasion this season they've been in control of a game and in the lead but ended up on the losing side and we know they're a stronger side than the league table suggests.

'Obviously the pressure on you when you're in that position is a lot greater than if you're in a mid-table position, but we all know what to expect at Upton Park on Saturday and we'll need to be ready mentally as well as physically for a very demanding game.'


West Ham boss Avram Grant

'If we win, we will still have a long way to go and, even if we don't, we will also have a long way to go

'I believe we can do it [get out of trouble]'

'Even after 20 games [of the season], there is enough time to do it. It would not be easy but it would be possible.'

Ben Haim, Collison, Kurucz, Da Costa, Hitzlsperger, Noble and Stanislas are out, Behrami & Dyer are doubtful but Parker should have recovered from a chest infection

West Ham from:

Green, Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga, Tomkins, Piquionne, Kovac, Boa Morte, Obinna, Barrera, Cole, McCarthy, Stech, Reid, Spector, Nouble, Parker Behrami, Dyer.

Big striker with a good touch

Boyce and McCarthy out injured, Rodallega and Alcaraz suspended, the big news is that Gary Caldwell could make a surprise return to the team following his quick recovery from a thigh injury.

Latics from:

Al Habsi, Gohouri, Steven Caldwell, Gary Caldwell, Figueroa, Stam, McArthur, Diame, Thomas, Gomez, Moses, N'Zogbia, Di Santo, Pollitt, Watson, Boselli, McManaman.

Charlie is in electrifying form at the moment

Latics and West Ham have met 16 times in all competitions:

Latics 5 wins, West Ham 9, draws 2

Last 6 Meetings

24/04/10 - Premier League - West Ham 3 Latics 2
12/09/09 - Premier League - Latics 1 West Ham 0
04/03/09 - Premier League - Latics 0 West Ham 1
16/08/08 - Premier League - West Ham 2 Latics 1
02/02/08 - Premier League - Latics 1 West Ham 0
25/08/07 - Premier League - West Ham 1 Latics 1

Mark Halsey (Bolton)

Card watch: Games 12, yellows 34, reds 1

Why not take a look at our fantastic `Meet the Ref` article

Head says 1-1 draw

Heart says Latics to win 2-0, as always go with the heart

Carling Cup

Arsenal v Latics
Emirates Stadium
Tuesday 30/11/2010
8pm

Premier League

Latics v Stoke City
DW Stadium
Saturday 4/12/10
3pm





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