SUNDERLAND keeper Craig Gordon thinks the weekends clash with West Ham will be extremely difficult for the Black Cats, writes James Randall .

The Scottish number one - currently preparing to take on Croatia with his national squad - believes facing the Hammers will test the North east club, who despite beating Aston Villa at the weekend remain in danger of slipping into the relegation places.

"We've got some very difficult games coming up and we have to knuckle down and get a few more results like Saturday to make sure we're OK," said Gordon.

He added: "They'll (West Ham) have their own reason for wanting to win the game and we'll have ours."

Gordon joined the newly promoted Sunderland in the summer for a record £9 million, and has quickly established himself as first choice number one at the Stadium of Light.

When asked whether it will work into Roy Keane's side's favour that the Hammers have nothing to play for, Gordon strongly disagreed: "I'm not sure these teams will think they have nothing to play for, this is the Premiership and everyone wants to win every game."

West Ham will want to replicate the 3-1 victory they secured over Sunderland earlier in the season when they line up at the Stadium of Light Of Saturday.