West Ham v Blackburn preview

Last meeting: Blackburn 0-0 West Ham (29-08-09). The two sides played out a goalless draw at Ewood Park back in August. Incidentally, the Hammers have only kept two clean sheets since that result.

The opposition: Blackburn played out a ten-goal thriller with Aston Villa in their Carling Cup semi-final last week. Unfortunately, six of the goals flew past Paul Robinson. Rovers have not enjoyed the best of form of late, having managed just one win in ten league games ahead of their game against Wigan yesterday. Those three points arrived two weeks ago, however, in a 2-0 victory over Fulham.

Danger men: Benni McCarthy would be the obvious choice. But, before going to press, the South African appeared on the verge of a transfer to West Ham, with the east London club having submitted a formal offer for the striker. The irony would be if he was to line up against Rovers on Saturday. Other than that, lively 22-year-old Nikola Kalinic could be one to watch for Gianfranco Zola’s men.

Did you know? Secretary of State for Justice Jack Straw is an avid Blackburn fan and can often be seen cheering on his beloved Rovers from the stands at Ewood Park.

Prediction: West Ham 3 Blackburn 1.

Betting tip: Despite scoring eight goals in two recent matches, Rovers may find goals hard to come by against a resurgent West Ham side, buoyed by new owners, a clean sheet against Aston Villa last week and an impressive draw at Portsmouth. Therefore, we’re backing Matthew Upson & co. to shut Sam Allardyce’s men out.