West Ham vs Boro

With West Ham still looking for their first home win of the season Alan Curbishley wants some 'oomph' from the players,

"Near the end of last season we had teams on the back foot from the first minute, and perhaps we haven't had that oomph yet. We're not lacking anything, but it was just a bit flat."

To achieve this Curbs has a number of players available for selection for the first time. Scott Parker has recovered from injury and Freddie Ljungberg has returned to training following his groin injury. Also new signings Henri Camara and Nolberto Solano will also be looking to make their débuts.

For Boro Mark Schwarzer faces a late fitness test after picking up a knee injury while on international duty with Australia. Boro's main threat comes from Downing and from new signing Mido who should prove a decent target for Downing's crosses.

West Ham sit just above Middlesbrough in the league and both sides have picked up seven points out of the last nine (win, draw, win). This suggests a close game but West Ham have lost only one of nine home Premiership meetings with Middlesbrough, and have won the last five.

Therefore West Ham will be confident of achieving their first home win of the season.