West Ham v Blackburn preview

Curbishley hopes for sweet dreams after Rovers' visit

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 14th March 2008

Curbishley Alan

Curbishley: Under pressure

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West Ham manager Alan Curbishley will be hoping for a solid night's shut eye on Saturday following Blackburn's Premier League visit to Upton Park.

Curbishley has admitted he has been suffering from 'sleepless nights' after watching his side slump to three consecutive 4-0 Premier League thrashings at the hands of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

And the Hammers boss will be hoping to be totting up his side's goals rather than counting sheep as he hits the hay at the weekend.

However, Blackburn supporters are unlikely to be singing Curbishley any lullabies upon their trip to the capital as Rovers are still chasing a place in Europe.

Upson return

With Tottenham winning the Carling Cup and with none of the 'big four' in contention for success in the FA Cup, only a place in the top five of the Premier League will secure qualification for Europe this season and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has admitted his eighth-placed side could at best be hoping for an Intertoto Cup spot.

West Ham will hope to have England defender Matthew Upson back from a calf problem for their journey to East London.

However, midfielder Luis Boa Morte is suspended following his red card in the defeat at Spurs and Mark Noble is expected to fill in.

Curbishley has had nightmares with injury problems this season and long-term absentees Julien Faubert, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy are all continuing their rehabilitation.

Reid doubt

Meanwhile, Rovers - who have not beaten West Ham on their own patch in 14 years - will be hoping to bounce back from last week's 1-1 draw with struggling Fulham.

Hughes is expected to welcome back Brett Emerton (groin) and David Dunn (hamstring) after the duo returned to training during the week.

However, Steven Reid is a doubt as the Republic of Ireland international has not trained all week due to a groin strain.

Defender Ryan Nelsen - who has been out of action with a calf injury - will again be absent, while full-back Martin Olsson has also been sidelined over recent weeks with an ankle problem.