West Ham v Birmingham preview

Hammers looking to close the gap on the top six

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 8th February 2008

West Ham v Birmingham preview

Curbishley: Has players coming back

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Skysports.com prediction: 2-0

SKY BET odds: West Ham 4/5, Draw 12/5, Birmingham 7/2

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West Ham are pushing for Europe, while Birmingham are now firmly entrenched in a relegation battle.

The Hammers are just four points off Aston Villa in sixth and will still harbour ambitions of clinching a Uefa Cup spot.

They are in good form of late as well having won seven and drawn five of their last 16 Premier League games, and have suffered just one defeat in their last seven at Upton Park.

Birmingham on the other hand have slipped into the relegation zone on the back of one win in 10 and have dropped points against fellow strugglers Sunderland and Derby in recent weeks.

They have also struggled on their travels this season losing nine of their 13 games on the road and will be in for another tough test in East London.

The Hammers recorded a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture back in August and will be looking to pick up their fourth successive Premier League victory over the Blues.

Faubert doubtful

Alan Cursbishley will asses the fitness of winger Julien Faubert before deciding whether to include the Frenchman. He did manage 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday but may need another run out for the second string after only recently shaking off a calf strain.

Nolberto Solano, Bobby Zamora and Craig Bellamy were also in action earlier in the week and could be included in the squad.

Scott Parker (knee) and Kieron Dyer (broken leg) are still a few weeks off full fitness, while Calum Davenport (neck), James Collins (knee) and Nigel Quashie (foot) are also sidelined.

Henri Camara has returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal, but John Pantsil is still in Ghana after featuring in the hosts' semi-final defeat to Cameroon on Thursday.

Kapo suspended

Birmingham's Olivier Kapo will miss the game through suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign against Sunderland 11 days ago.

The absence of the former Juventus winger could give hope of a recall to either Gary McSheffrey or Daniel De Ridder.

With City struggling for goals of late boss Alex McLeish must decide whether to make changes up front with Mikael Forssell and Cameron Jerome both in contention for a recall.

Midfielder Mehdi Nafti and defender Rahi Jaidi have returned from the Africa Cup of Nations but full-back Franck Queudrue is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.