Sunderland head to Upton Park knowing they are safe but could face a backlash from a wounded animal in West Ham.
They have had a shocking season under Avram Grant and a lot of fans will be unhappy when we play them on the final day of the season.
Steve Bruce could still finish 9th in the league if we win and results go our way. However, our form of late has been as bad as West Ham’s but luckily we started a lot stronger this season.
Kevin Keen will take over the managers role after Grant was sacked and will be looking to end the season on a good note.
Vital Quotes:
Bruce said: ‘Hang on a minute – Arsenal have won two in 10, Tottenham have won one in six after beating Liverpool last week, and the teams at the bottom, even Blackpool – to get to 39 points, what an achievement that is, and still they are fighting.
‘If we had won last week, we would have gone eighth, for a few hours, anyway. It shows you how close it is.
‘It’s been quite an incredible season and all credit to every team – 39 points and five teams still fighting against relegation is scary, really.
‘If all of us had seen that at the start of the season, it would have scared the pants off us all because usually one or two are set adrift, but five clubs are still hanging by a thread.
‘Thankfully we are not in there, which is a relief for all Sunderland fans.’
West Ham Team News:
West Ham could field a younger squad to see what they may be like in the Championship and Scott Parker could play his last game for the Hammers.
Player to watch: Ba
Sunderland have been linked to Demba Ba ever since West Ham were confirmed as a Championship club. It will be good to see him perform against us but hopefully we can keep him away from goal to try and gain all three points.
Sunderland Team News:
Sunderland could bring back Asamoah Gyan and West Ham favourite Anton Ferdinand.
Player to watch: Colback
Colback has been the bright spark in a dim end of season and he will be looking to continue his form.
Match Facts & Stats
The Hammers have won their last six Premier League games against Sunderland at Upton Park.
The Black Cats need a draw to register their biggest top-flight points total for 10 years.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistant referees: Simon Long & Ceri Richards
Fourth official: Andy D’Urso
Match Prediction:
West Ham 0 – 1 Sunderland
I feel we have enough to win this game and try and break back into the top ten. If Gyan starts it may be a risk to his hamstring but hopefully he can create some chances.
Next Fixtures:
No more until next season guys!
