West Ham vs Reading

After the recent run of poor results this is a must win game for West Ham against newly promoted Reading. Reading have started the season well with twice as many points as West Ham and currently lie 8th in the Premiership having won 3 games, drawn 1 and lost 2. Whilst Pardew is good friends with Reading manager Steve Coppell their fans will be desparate for the team to play well against Pardew's side after the acrimonious manner in which he left the club.

The two sides have only met five times and at the moment the record is equal with two wins each and a draw. At Upton Park West Ham have won the two games played. This will be the first meeting of the sides in the Premiership.

Reading's only injury worry before this game is captain Graeme Murty (hamstring), with Ulises de la Cruz on stand by to fill in. West Ham could be without Tyrone Mears and Anton Ferdinand.

Alan Pardew has admitted that the negotions happening behind the scenes have been disruptive to the team so he will be pleased to hear that a decision is on the cards. A source at the club has indicated that the proposed take over of the club will be decided soon, "A decision will be reached, one way or another, in the next 10 days." This will probably happen after Sunday's game but the club's future ownership now looks to be decided before the Portsmouth game.