West Ham go into the break on level terms after an eventful opening 45 minutes at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
West Ham, missing a number of key players - and yet again hampered by the unexplained omission of leading goalscorer Ravel Morrison - took the lead after just seven minutes of today's London derby when Jussi Jasskelainen's free kick was allowed to fall to Mo Diame in the penalty box, before the midfielder swivelled and fired home.However United's lead - which they had several chances to increase - was cancelled out on 32 minutes when Steve Sidwell - a former target of Avram Grant's - rose higher than marker George McCartney to level the scores.
That goal came less than 60 seconds after Mark Noble was withdrawn after feeling his calf - more potential injury worries for Sam Allardyce.
Although West Ham managed to remain on level terms until the break, they ended the first half with only ten men after Kevin Nolan stupidly kicked out at Fernando Amorebieta. The fall to the floor was theatrical and almost certainly deserving of a nomination for this year's Academy awards, but Mark Clattenburg issued a straight red regardless.
And in truth, the club captain can have few complaints. We'll have a full report for you at the final whistle...
Fulham vs West Ham Utd: How They Lined Up
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Nolan, Collison, Maiga, Taylor, Noble, O'Brien, Diarra, Demel, Diame.
Subs: Adrian, Jarvis, Rat, Downing. C.Cole, J.Cole, Potts.
Fulham: Stockdale, Riise, Senderos, Sidwell, Berbatov, Richardson, Duff, Taarabt, Riether, Parker, Amorebieta.
Subs: Kasami, Kacaniklic, Hughes, Dejagah, Bent, Bettinelli, Dembele.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.
Assistant Referees: S Beck, R Ganfield.
Fourth Official: S Mathieson.
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