Carlton Could Be Sub Today

In the match preview for today's game the West Ham official site has a useful injury update on the squad. The good news is that Carlton Cole may be on the bench today.

"Carlton Cole is in contention for his first game of 2010 after playing a full part in training over the weekend. West Ham's top scorer had been sidelined with a knee injury picked up in the home game with Burnley on 28 November.

It remains to be seen whether the England international will start though and, if not, the forward role could once again be taken by Frank Nouble, who impressed greatly on his full Premier League debut at Villa Park.

Guille Franco is unlikely to play again this month as he continues his recovery from a muscle strain.

Herita Ilunga is also making progress with his recovery from a hamstring injury, although he will not be considered before the weekend at the earliest. Scott Parker has also been working hard to overcome the tightness in his hamstring suffered at Villa Park.

Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer (both hamstring) could be back in full training next week.

Zavon Hines (knee), Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Calum Davenport (leg) are all long-term absentees."