Roeder' s Return

Glenn Roeder returns to Upton Park on Sunday with his struggling Newcastle side. The Geordies have failed to replace the retired Shearer and have scored only three goals this season compared to West Ham's six. West Ham are unbeaten at Upton Park so far this season in the Premiership and the Magpies are yet to win away. The barcodes also picked up a couple of injuries in their European game last night and both Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor are doubts for the game. Nobby Solano is also out for three weeks.

West Ham could remain unchanged from the team that lost last night but are likely to return to playing a 4-4-2 system. However Mullins, Etherington and Harewood are all knocking on the door of the first team and Pardew will not be able to keep everyone happy. It might be hard for Mullins to get back in the side as Pardew was clearly impressed with Mascherano's performance last night, saying "Mascherano's delivery of pass raised us a level.".

West Ham have now won only one of their last five games so this is a must win game for the Hammers. West Ham were beaten 2-4 in the corresponding fixture last year, so revenge is needed and probably like most Hammer's for me beating a Roeder side would be just as sweet. Another incentive for West Ham is that if they win this game it will be their 100th home win in the Premiership.