Hammers duo ready for recalls against Bolton

West Ham United

• Midfielder Scott Parker is set to return.
• Striker Benni McCarthy is hoping to be fit after a knee injury.
• West Ham have kept clean sheets in their last four Premier League home games.
• The Hammers are seeking a third successive home win.

• Herita Ilunga is sidelined for the next fortnight with injury.
• Daniel Gabbidon is still struggling with a hamstring problem.
• Zavon Hines remains doubtful with a knee injury.

Bolton Wanderers

• Midfielder Matt Taylor is hoping for a recall.
• Bolton have kept a clean sheet in half of their last eight games.
• The Trotters‘ win against Bolton last weekend was their first in eight matches.
• Bolton have won both their fixtures against West Ham 3-1 this season.
• Owen Coyle’s side is seeking a sixth win in a row against the Hammers.

• American Stuart Holden will be out for six weeks with a broken leg.
• Mark Davies and Chris Basham are also doubts.
• Gary Cahill is out for the next month with a blood clot on his arm.
• Bolton have scored in only one of their last six matches.

Expert Advice

This is the second of a series of fixtures for Bolton against their relegation rivals in the coming weeks and they will be boosted by their victory against Wolves last weekend. The Trotters have certainly tightened up at the back since Owen Coyle took charge and they have become a lot harder to beat. Bolton have an exceptional record against West Ham but the goals have also dried up at the other end of the pitch and scoring goals against the Hammers could be a problem as they seek a fourth successive clean sheet at home. While their form remains indifferent on the road, West Ham have managed to build up some momentum at Upton Park in recent weeks and that could prove the decisive factor on Saturday, with Betsson’s odds of 3.65 for a home win by one goal appearing a value bet.

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