TEAM NEWS
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill will be without defenders Danny Rose and Carlos Cuellar. The pair both suffered hamstring injuries during last weekend's 2-2 FA Cup third round draw at Bolton and will be missing for several weeks. Central defender John O'Shea (also hamstring) and striker Stephane Sessegnon (ankle) both missed the game at the Reebok Stadium and have returned to light training. But O'Shea in particular remains a doubt, and new signing Alfred N'Diaye will be included if his international clearance comes through in time.
New West Ham striker Marouane Chamakh goes straight into the Hammers squad. The 28-year-old Morocco international has been signed on loan from Arsenal and could make his West Ham debut at the Stadium of Light. Modibo Maiga is missing as he links up with Mali ahead of the African Nations Cup while fellow forward Andy Carroll (knee) is also absent. Defender Joey O'Brien remains a doubt with a hamstring problem but George McCartney (knee) is definitely out.
MANAGER QUOTES
Martin O'Neill: "We’ve put some points on the board with two very important wins over Christmas. But I don’t take a group of games into consideration because it never works out how you think. Because of our position and our squad size, I’m not so sure I can look that far ahead. We go into the West Ham game tomorrow, and must give it everything. We know what we’re up against, and we’ll have to fight every inch of the way with no respite in the game.”
Sam Allardyce: "I'm happy with the fact that we've recovered well from a disappointing Christmas based on results and loss of lots of players who were injured, which has made life difficult for us. I think that we've performed exceptionally well in the last two games against Norwich and Manchester United so I hope we bounce back and produce that performance on a consistent basis again now in the new year."
MATCH FACTS
Sunderland have scored the lowest percentage of goals from headers in the Premier League this season (10%).
The Black Cats have also conceded the lowest percentage of headed goals (3%).
West Ham have conceded just three goals from set plays this season, fewer than any other team.
Sunderland (105) have blocked more shots than any other team in the top flight this season.
Only Gerhard Tremmel (81%) has a better saves to shots ratio in the Premier League than Jussi Jaaskelainen this season (77%).
West Ham have won just two of their last 15 Premier League away matches (W2 D4 L9).
Sunderland have won just three of their last 14 Premier League games at the Stadium of Light (W3 D6 L5).
Martin O’Neill’s Premier League record against Sam Allardyce as opposition coaches is W1 D2 L3). Those six matchups have seen four different fixtures (Aston Villa v Blackburn, Newcastle and Bolton and Sunderland v West Ham).
Kevin Nolan has scored more goals against Sunderland than he has managed against any other opponent in his Premier League career (6).
Sunderland have seen the joint-most opposition players sent off this season (four along with Manchester United).
MATCH ODDS
Sunderland (11/8), West Ham United (23/10), Draw (23/10)
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