Premier League: Sunderland v West Ham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland sit just four points above the relegation zone but have taken seven points from a possible nine from their last three Premier League fixtures with West Ham.

West Ham have only taken a single point from a possible 12 on the road of late but will be encouraged by their great FA Cup performance against Manchester united last Saturday, where victory was snatched late on by a Robin van Persie injury time leveller that took the game into a replay.

Sunderland could hand a debut to new signing Alfred N'Diaye after completing his transfer from Bursaspor this window, depending on getting international clearance in time. Joe Cole could make his second Premier league debut after re-joining West Ham. Modibo Maiga will be missing for the Hammers after joining Mali for the African Cup of Nations.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

West Ham 1 (Nolan) Sunderland 1 (Fletcher), Premier League, September 2012

West Ham 0 Sunderland 3 (Zenden,Sessegnon, Riveros) Premier League, May 2011

Sunderland 1 (Henderson) West ham 0, Premier League, December 2010

MATCH STATS...

Kevin Nolan has scored more goals against Sunderland than he has managed against any other opponent in his Premier League career (6).

Sunderland have scored the lowest percentage of goals from headers in the Premier League this season (10 per cent).

West Ham have conceded just three goals from set plays this season, fewer than any other team.

West Ham's biggest ever league win was 8 - 0: vs Sunderland 19/10/1968 Division 1.

MATCH ODDS...

Sunderland 2.38

Draw 3.4

West Ham 3.4

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.