Preview: West Ham United vs. Sunderland

West Ham United will be attempting to edge closer to the top four in the Premier League table when they face off with Sunderland at Upton Park this weekend.

The Hammers failed to find the back of the net in a goalless draw with Norwich City at the weekend, while the Black Cats are yet to pick up a victory in the league so far.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is likely to be without Liverpool loanee Andy Carroll for another week as the England international continues to recover from a hamstring problem, which is likely to ensure Carlton Cole's position up front.

Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill is likely to stick with the same side that drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Saturday, which means that summer signing Steven Fletcher should keep his place in attack, with Stephane Sessegnon providing support.

Adam Johnson could be handed a spot on the bench after suffering with an injury in the last couple of weeks.

Recent form:

West Ham: WLWD Sunderland: DDD

Possible lineups:

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien; Diame, Noble, Vaz Te, Nolan, Taylor; Cole

Sunderland: Mignolet; Gardner, Cuellar, O'Shea, Rose; Larsson, Colback, Cattermole, McClean; Sessegnon, Fletcher

Sports Mole says: 2-1