New boy Lee Bowyer is set to start against high-flyers Newcastle in tomorrow's Premiership encounter, as the Hammers seek to make it five home wins in succession against their North East counterparts.
Glenn Roeder, speaking last night revealed that he was happy with Bowyer's condition following a recent achilles injury, and that his new signing was likely to begin the game against fourth placed Newcastle.Bowyer's involvement will mean a return to the centre of defence for Ian Pearce, and could well see Trevor Sinclair move up front to partner Jermain Defoe.
The Hammers will be seeking to make it five home wins in a row against Newcastle - previous victories being 3-0 (01/02), 1-0 (00/01), 2-1 (99/00) and 2-0 (98/99).
Likely starting line-up (4-4-2): James, Schemmel, Winterburn, Pearce, Dailly, Cole, Hutchison, Bowyer, Carrick, Sinclair, Defoe
Newcastle - who can go second if they secure their first win in East London since the 97/98 season will have to make do without Alan Shearer; the former England striker is suspended.
His place is expected to be taken by Shola Ameobi who will partner Craig Bellamy in a two-pronged attack.
In defence Andy O'Brien is expected to undergo a late fitness test after suffering an injury against Wolves in last weekend's shock defeat, which may mean a berth in the starting line-up for Nicos Dabizas.
England midfielder Kieron Dyer returns to the fold after injury, to give the Toon - who have lost six of their ten games on the road this season - a much needed boost.
Olivier Bernard - the player whom Glenn Roeder thought he had signed in the summer - is also due to play. No doubt the Boleyn crowd will reserve a special East End welcome for him ...
Squad: Given, Harper, Griffin, Bernard, Elliott, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, S Caldwell, Bramble, Solano, Robert, Dyer, Jenas, Kerr, Acuna, Bellamy, Ameobi, LuaLua, Cort.
Tomorrow's referee is Jeff Winter - the only official to have previously sent Lee Bowyer off in a Premiership match ...
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