Preview: Sunderland vs West Ham United

West Ham United travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Martin O’Neils Sunderland team this weekend.

With Andy Carroll still out injured and Mali international Modibo Maiga away on international duty, Big Sam Allardyce may hand a debut to new loan signing Marouane Chamakh.

It will be too late to include Brazilian striker Paulista who is having a medical with West Ham United today and could be unveiled later on this Friday.

Sunderland have been struggling to pick up wins this season but still have a 4-point cushion from the relegation zone, and their win over Manchester City on Boxing Day shows they have it in the locker to beat anyone on their day.

West Ham United have had a bright start to the new year, winning on New Years Day by beating Norwich City and then holding Manchester United to a 2-2 draw in the FA Cup.

The Hammers’ have also been busy early this transfer window by signing Joe Cole, Marouane Chamakh and possibly Paulista with other players such as Martin Olsson in the pipeline, couple that with injured players returning – Collison, Vaz Te, Diarra – West Hams’ squad is looking in far better shape than it was just a few weeks ago.

Match Facts

West Ham have won 5 of there last 11 games at the Stadium of Light.
Kevin Nolan has scored 5 goals in his last 3 games against Sunderland.
West Hams’ last away win was also in the North East against Newcastle in November.

Lets hope West Ham can find their away form and get another welcome 3-points in the North East.

Bobbys’ Prediction 1-2