West Ham – Blackburn Rovers Preview: Avram Grant’s men looking to prolong undefeated streak against their opponents

Steve Kean (Getty Images)

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It was initially being reported that skipper Scott Parker may return to play a part in this game, despite being only around 50 per cent fit, having missed the club’s last three games. But now it is believed that the 30-year-old may have broken down in training, leading him to potentially miss the game.

Michel Salgado is expected to recover from his knee problem and return for this fixture, while David Hoilett could also make a comeback from a hamstring injury.

Steve Kean will also be hoping to see David Dunn return from a calf injury in time to help his side do battle in a bitter six-pointer that lies ahead.

Vince Grella (Achilles) and Ryan Nelsen (knee) are both long-term casualties and are not expected to feature against Avram Grant’s men.

• At Upton Park, however, the Hammers have not lost to these opponents since 1994. Henning Berg (pictured right) and Ian Pearce scored to secure a 2-1 result on the day.

• The Hammers have picked up only one point from their last six games, which sees them at the bottom of the Premier League standings.

• Blackburn Rovers are not far off from the relegation zone, as they are only three points above 18th-placed Wigan Athletic, due in part to the recent victory over Bolton Wanderers.

• Steve Kean’s men have conceded twice the number of goals they have scored on their travels, hitting the back of the net on 20 occasions while shipping in 40 goals.

• If all matches ended at half-time, Blackburn would have been in sixth place, fighting with Liverpool for a Europa League spot.