Football: Weekend guide to the Premiership - West Ham v Blackburn Last season: 2-1

WEST HAM, cheered by last week's fightback at Anfield to steal a point, should have Rio Ferdinand at the heart of their defence as usual for the visit of Blackburn to Upton Park. The England defender has been troubled by a back problem since the 2-2 draw at Anfield but he came through a training session yesterday. Further good news for manager Harry Redknapp is that Paolo Di Canio and Paul Kitson are fit again to add some much- needed guile to the Hammers front line. Joe Cole has thrown off a virus to declare himself fit for action.

Jason McAteer and Matt Jansen look certain to return to Blackburn's line- up to boost the Lancashire club's battle against relegation. The duo, part of manager Brian Kidd's extensive rebuilding plans, were both cup- tied for the midweek FA Cup exit to Newcastle, but Rovers have a host of bad news to offset their return. Jeff Kenna suffered a calf muscle tear against Newcastle and is likely to be missing for up to two months. Chris Sutton, Christian Dailly and Stephane Henchoz are still missing, while Garry Flitcroft and Billy McKinlay are both out for the season.

WEST HAM UNITED (from): Hislop, Pearce, Ferdinand, Potts, Minto, Keller, Lazaridis, Lomas, Lampard, Foe, Berkovic, Sinclair, Kitson, Cole, Di Canio, Forrest, Holligan, Hodges, Abou.

BLACKBURN ROVERS (from): Filan, Peacock, Broomes, Davidson, Gillespie, Marcolin, Wilcox, Duff, Blake, Davies, Croft, Dunn, Flowers, Ward, Johnson, Jansen, McAteer.

Suspensions: None.

Referee: S Dunn.