Preview: West Ham vs Fulham

One of two London derbies in the top division this weekend pits the Hammers taking on the Cottagers. Worringly, Fulham have not won any of their last 12 London league derbies, but West Ham need a win to retain any chance of staying in the top half of the table. Bullard could make his return after injury.

Injuries and Suspensions

Scott Parker is out for six weeks with a knee injury while Nolberto Solano (groin), Bobby Zamora (knee) and Craig Bellamy (abdominal) are still unavailable.

Jimmy Bullard has an outside chance of being included in the squad, Philippe Christanval and Aaron Hughes will have fitness tests but Diomansy Kamara is on international duty.

Squads

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer, Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Ashton, Cole, Wright, Spector, Collins, Boa Morte, Reid, Collison, Tomkins.

Fulham (from): Niemi, Warner, Volz, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Davis, Dempsey, Healy, Kuqi, Leijer, Smertin, Seol, Christanval.

Hodgson: Bullard may return

"We haven't ruled Jimmy Bullard out of the game on Saturday completely.

"It's unlikely he'll play because he's ahead of schedule and our medical team have advised us to be cautious.

"But I'm certain that if I told Jimmy I needed him to play, he would be the first one changed and out on the pitch."

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

WEST HAM 1-0 FULHAM

A tough trip for Roy Hodgson to Upton Park. It's going to take a long time for this man to turn around Fulham's fortunes, and the Hammers will think this game has three points written all over it.

Goalscorer: Dean Ashton.