West Ham match takes on further significance

The Hammers managed a slender victory over Everton which gives them hope of survival and leaves Alan Curbishley's men just three points below the Latics in the table. A win for West Ham would leave the two clubs on equal points.

Meantime down at the bottom of the table, Charlton take on Blackburn at Ewood Park, Sheffield United face Watford at home and Fulham play Arsenal at the Emirates.

Just last weekend Watford faced up to their fate of becoming a Championship club once more, and there are any one of five clubs playing off for the final two relegation spots.

Here is how the bottom of the table currently looks.

15	Fulham	35		6	7	5	17	18		1	8	8	18	36		7	15	13	35	54		36	-19
16	Wigan Athletic	35		5	4	8	18	26		4	4	10	17	28		9	8	18	35	54		35	-19
17	Sheffield United	35		6	6	5	22	19		3	2	13	8	31		9	8	18	30	50		35	-20
18	Charlton Athletic	35		7	5	6	19	18		1	4	12	12	34		8	9	18	31	52		33	-21
19	West Ham United	35		7	2	9	21	25		2	3	12	7	33		9	5	21	28	58		32	-30
20	[R] Watford	35		3	8	7	18	24		1	4	12	8	33		4	12	19	26	57		24	-31

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and defender Fitz Hall are ruled out for the season, but midfielder Antonio Valencia returns from his suspension, leaving Paul Jewell with almost a full squad to choose from.

Early team news would indicate changes to the back four with Ryan Taylor and Leighton Baines taking the full-back roles with Emmerson Boyce and Arjan De Zeeuw starting at centre back.

Antonio Valencia is likely to return to the right flank with Paul Scharner, Denny Landzaat and Josip Skoko fighting for two places in the centre. Kevin Kilbane will take his place on the left side, with Emile Heskey and Caleb Folan expected to play up front.

Tickets are still available for the game, but are selling fast and the club is optimistic of a sell out. You can buy your ticket from the stadium ticket office in person, on-line (click here), or by telephone on 0871 663 3552.

And at just £15 for one of the biggest games in the club's short league history, the stadium should be rocking come Saturday afternoon.