Preview: West Ham vs Spurs

West Ham versus Spurs always seems to be a bit of an epic, much like the 4-3 win Tottenham picked up last year. This time around, West Ham are the more settled side, and Spurs will face a tough trip to Upton Park in the 1:30 kick off. Dean Ashton and Scott Parker are both ready to return - could Juande Ramos pick up important derby points?

West Ham welcome back Dean Ashton and Scott Parker, and both got midweek reserve action. Lee Collins is also ready to return after featuring for Wales in their recent matches.

Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins are also in contention - but Craig Bellamy is missing with a groin problem and Lee Bowyer will miss out through suspension.

Tottenham are missing Ricardo Rocha, Ledley King and Gareth Bale; whilst Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul are unlikely to play.

One benefit for Juande Ramos is the fact that he can pick from his four strikers: Jermain Defoe, Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Darren Bent.

Jermain Defoe could make an appearance against his old club where he spent over four years, whilst Matthew Etherington plays against his old club where he spent two years.

West Ham are aiming to make it six matches unbeaten after picking up a wonderful 5-0 win over Derby in their last Premiership outing.

Tottenham have yet to pick up an away victory this season, but have picked up four points out of six to push them out of the relegation zone.

Last season Tottenham picked up a 'double' on West Ham - but the tide could be set to change this year; unless Juande Ramos can successfully continue to change Spurs' change of fortunes.

Curbs: it was a great game last time

"It was a fantastic game," said Curbishley. "I know we were at the wrong end of the result but we went into that game rock bottom. We were on the ropes, if you like. We were leading 3-2 with a minute to go and we paid the price for pushing to go and win it."

Poyet: tough test

"If you look at the individual names, West Ham have a very, very good squad," said Gus. "Sometimes if you don't start well or you lose a couple of key players, it's difficult to keep a run going, but they are doing well and I think they will do better.

"Players have recovered fitness during the international break - we don't know if they will play on Sunday, but they will add further quality to the squad.

"It's a good test for us, a big derby and it's an ideal game to see how far we've come."

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

West Ham 2-1 Tottenham

This game always kicks up fantastic games and this could be another one today. Matthew Etherington looks set to play and continue his brilliant form on the left flank against his old side; whilst Tottenham need to get some points to change their fortune on the road. This will be a tense derby and a tough one to predict - but we're going for a home win.

Score: 2-1 to West Ham

Goalscorer: Matthew Etherington