West Ham arrive at the Lane unbeaten in their last five matches and will be eager to consolidate seventh spot. The Hammers have been a revelation this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term under Alan Curbishley. But the arrival of ex-Chelsea
West Ham arrive at the Lane unbeaten in their last five matches and will be eager to consolidate seventh spot.
The Hammers have been a revelation this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term under Alan Curbishley.
But the arrival of ex-Chelsea star, Gianfranco Zola, stopped the rot and with 44 points now have a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe.
West Ham have lost only twice in the league since Christmas - against Man Utd and Bolton - and Zola, the 1997 Football Writers Footballer of the Year, has instilled self-belief, along with fixing his team's defensive frailties.
The Hammers unbeaten run began with a 1-0 win over Man City after Jack Collinson scored in the 71st minute.
Carlton Cole then scored the only goal in the 1-0 defeat of Wigan, ahead of a goalless draw with West Brom and a 1-1 draw with Blackburn after Mark Noble opened the scoring.
Junior Stanislas and James Tomkins were on target in Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland.
The duo will hoping to figure in the starting line-up against the Lilywhites at the Lane.
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