Key Battles Today

Stuart Downing vs Anton Ferdinand / Scaloni

Stopping Stuart Downing on the left wing could be one of the key battles in today's game. I suspect Pardew will not trust Scaloni's lack of pace and that the quicker Anton will find himself at right back again. Ferdinand doesn't like the position but stopping Downing's distribution will be important.

Reo-Coker vs Boateng

Boateng is Boro's sitting defender, his job is to protect his back four and he is very good at it. He could be even more important today for Boro if their experienced defender Southgate is injured. It will be important for West Ham that Reo-Coker does enough to keep Boateng busy, this should give Benayoun more freedom when he drifts in field, and more room for Teddy drifting back if he comes on late in the game.