Walsall v West Ham: match preview

  • by Graeme Howlett
  • Saturday, 20th December 2003

West Ham come into this clash in mixed form after a few recent disappointing results - but they are also coming off the back of a good victory against fellow title challengers Sunderland.

The Saddlers are expected to be without full-back Jamie Vincent (hamstring) whilst Steve Corica, Pedro Matias and Aaron Kerr are definitely out. Paul Merson is expected to be included though after recently recovering from a virus.

For the Hammers, Christian Dailly is out with a bug which will be a big blow as the captains boots will be very big to fill. The Hammers will be hoping that star striker Jermain Defoe can repeat his brace from last week that saw off Sunderland. Long term casualty Rufus Brevett is definitely out while Neil Mellor, Michael Carrick and Steve Lomas will be hoping for a recall as they are all fit once again. Lomas is short of match fitness but still may play some part.

My verdict

I feel that the Hammers still are way off finding there top form and I can't see us grabbing a win against a determined Walsall outfit who will be no pushovers - especially with Paul Merson back on deck.

Walsall to sneak a win or the Hammers might get lucky, snatching a draw.

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