West Ham preview

A big game at Upton Park tomorrow as both sides bid to make a push for the UEFA Cup places over the final third of the season. Whilst West Ham crashed out of the FA Cup in midweek, we can hopefully take the momentum gained from Thursday's victory over FC Copenhagen and Mark Hughes believes we are well placed to put a run together:

"We have a group of players who understand the demands that are going to be placed on them now and in the future.

"The expectation levels have been way ahead of any Manchester City team probably in the history of the club and we're dealing with it.

"The aim is to get a consistent run of form away from home as we have found it difficult on the road.

Craig Bellamy of course has been the main focus point between the two teams, and undoubtedly he will be key tomorrow. He was showing decent form during his final appearances in a West Ham shirt and has built on that during his brief spell with us so far.

The returning Nigel de Jong should replace the domestically suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips in what should be the same line-up that drew 1-1 at Liverpool.

There has been definite progress by ourselves of late, with last weeks point at Anfield an indication of what can be achieved on our travels. Both tomorrows game and Wednesday's home fixture with Aston Villa will be further proof of just what our expectations should be for the remainder of the league campaign.

[bbc sport preview, MEN preview,]