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?The Stadium of Light will play host to a relegation six-pointer as Slaven Bilic’s West Ham travel to face David Moyes’ Sunderland.
The Black Cats are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, They appear doomed as they are ten points from safety with only seven matches to save themselves.
The Hammers, by contrast, are 14th and appear safe. Their victory at home over Swansea last weekend was vital, as it extended the gap between themselves and the relegation zone to eight points. It was their first win following seven matches without a win.
Classic Encounter
When the two sides met earlier in the season back in October, West Ham nicked a vital 1-0 victory thanks to a 94th minute winner by Winston Reid.
The London Stadium was treated to a moment of high drama when the Hammers centre-back lashed a ball past Jordan Pickford at the near post.
The defeat condemned Sunderland to their worst Premier League start ever, as they had only picked up two points from their opening nine games.
Key Battle
Cheikhou Kouyate vs Lee Cattermole
With Mark Noble suspended, Cheikhou Kouyate will step in to the cauldron of a physical battle against one of the divisions most tenacious midfielders – Lee Cattermole. Kouyate will have to scrap it out and have his head on a swivel if he wants to avoid injury this weekend.
Cattermole plays with real aggression and fire. The Sunderland native has picked up 100 yellow cards in his Premier League career to go along with his eight red cards.
Team News
Sunderland will welcome back Adnan Januzaj after he was ineligible to play against parent club Manchester United last weekend.
Sebastian Larsson is suspended after his red card, while Bryan Oviedo is out with a hamstring injury. Victor Anichebe and Lee Cattermole will both likely be risked despite injury concerns.
Winston Reid and Michail Antonio are both out injured for the Hammers, while Mark Noble begins serving a two game suspension after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season against Swansea.
Aaron Cresswell is also a doubt, but Andy Carroll is expected to pass a fitness test and play.
Prediction
Sunderland are beyond saving at this point. Expect a routine win for a West Ham side who need to pick up points if Slaven Bilic wants to stay employed next season.
Sunderland 1-3 West Ham
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