We’re treated to just two league matches this afternoon. I say “treated” but in truth the encounters between Hull and Burnley and West Ham and Sunderland have the potential to be tense turgid affairs. We may have to bide our time for some excitement until Chelsea and Villa kick-off in the FA Cup at five.
Team news from Upton Park finds Zola handing a start to Ilan after his dramatic equaliser at Goodison. Mido is sick apparently – not as sick as West Ham fans when he missed last week’s penalty. Elsewhere Behrami comes in for the suspended Parker as expected while Stanislas keeps his start. Sunderland have Michael Turner fit and start with Ferdinand at right-back.
Over at the KC Iain Dowie recalls Sonko for Mendy while Dawson returns to left-back, shifting Kilbane to a midfield role. George Boateng clears his head and also starts. Brian Laws not surprisingly makes changes following last weekend’s pasting at the hands of City. Wade Elliot and Jack Cork start in midfield with Robbie Blake and Kevin “I’m off” McDonald, making way.
Saturday’s Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open and ready to suck up your thoughts on these matches and this evening’s FA Cup tie.