Hughes: Without Bentley

PREDICTIONS

Skysports.com's prediction: Blackburn 2 West Ham 1

SKY BET odds: Blackburn 4/5, Draw 9/4, West Ham 3/1

One to Watch: Benni McCarthy

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• Blackburn Rovers
• West Ham United

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Blackburn will be aiming to follow up their 3-1 victory over Newcastle with another home win when they entertain West Ham on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

Rovers had struggled prior to last week but produced an impressive performance to see off The Magpies 3-1.

They are now just four points behind Manchester City in fifth and will be hoping to cut the gap further on their rivals for a Uefa Cup place.

However, David Bentley, who scored two stunning goals against Newcastle, is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Ryan Nelsen is also absent as he completes his ban for being sent off against Aston Villa last month.

Benni McCarthy is available after Mark Hughes rubbished claims that he had fallen out with the striker.

Robbie Savage and Jason Roberts are also pushing for starts.

Ashton poised for starting role

West Ham could not extend their unbeaten run to six games last week as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea, although Alan Curbishley felt Joe Cole's winning strike should not have been allowed to stand.

The Hammers are firmly embedded in mid-table alongside Newcastle, with Everton five points above them and Birmingham five points below.

Dean Ashton returned as a substitute against Chelsea and may get the nod to start at Ewood Park.

Craig Bellamy is still absent with a groin injury but Lee Bowyer (hernia) could come back in.

Hammers captain Lucas Neill faces his former club.