West Ham United v Sunderland
Barclays Premier League, Saturday April 4, 3pm
LAST MEETING: Sunderland 0-1 West Ham (23-11-08) A Valon Behrami strike in the 20th minute was enough to see the Hammers past the Black Cats earlier in the season.
LAST TIME AT UPTON PARK: West Ham 3-1 Sunderland (21-10-07) A Craig Gordon own goal and a last-minute Craig Bellamy goal secured victory for the Irons.
HEAD TO HEAD: West Ham 29 wins, Sunderland 28 wins, 19 draws.
FORM: Ricky Sbragia’s first managerial post has proved a tough one, as Sunderland have managed just two points from their last five games, leaving them precariously placed, three points above the relegation zone.
DANGER MAN: While Kenwyne Jones will provide a significant aerial threat to the Hammers’ defence, it could be the pace and guile of his strike partner Djibril Cisse that causes the most problems. A proven international striker, Cisse will be a handful for Matthew Upson and co. at Upton Park.
FUN FACT: Sunderland’s fans were recorded as the loudest supporters in the Premier League last season, topping the charts with a cheer of 129.3 decibels.
MATCH ODDS: West Ham Evs, Sunderland 13/5, Draw 12/5.
PREDICTION: West Ham 1 Sunderland 0.
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