Bent doubt for Sunderland

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 by PA

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is facing a race to be fit for the Barclays Premier League visit of West Ham as he battles to overcome a knee problem.

The forward missed Tuesday's Carling Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Aston Villa but is rated as better than 50-50 for the Hammers clash after returning to training on Thursday.

Fellow striker Fraizer Campbell is a doubt after suffering a knock against Villa, while Phil Bardsley (shoulder) and George McCartney (hip) are also touch-and-go.

Midfielder Bolo Zenden and centre-back John Mensah are ruled out. Lee Cattermole is a long-term absentee with knee ligament damage.

Steve Bruce wants the Sunderland supporters to ensure the Stadium of Light remains a "fortress" as they attempt to maintain their impressive home form - but insists beach balls are an optional extra.

The Black Cats are aiming for their fifth consecutive home win against the Hammers.

Bruce's side have lost just once in the league at the Stadium of Light - a 3-1 defeat by Chelsea in their first home game - and since then have produced an impressive string of results, culminating in the recent well-deserved 1-0 victory over Liverpool in which Bent's winning goal deflected off a Reds beach ball.

Last weekend's loss at Birmingham baffled Bruce but the Sunderland boss admits he has been delighted with his side's performances on home turf.

He said: "Our home form has been good apart from Chelsea and in my mind we didn't lose to Villa, so effectively Chelsea are the only team that have come here and beaten us going into November.

"That's a far healthier start than it was last year so we must keep that home form going. The crowd can play their part."

Bruce, who took over from Ricky Sbragia in the summer after the Black Cats narrowly escaped relegation, added: "We had to change the home form because last year it was appalling, we didn't win anywhere near enough games and that's why you struggle.

"So it was important that the Stadium of Light became a bit of a fortress, if you like.

"It's a good return so far and I hope the next five or six are going to be exactly the same.

"If they want to bring beach balls, as long as they bring their voices and their rattles (as well) then fantastic!"

West Ham will be without Scott Parker for the clash.

The midfielder was sent off towards the end of last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Arsenal and serves a one-match ban, so Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac comes in.

Kieron Dyer has suffered another setback and faces three weeks out with a hamstring problem picked up in training.

Italian striker Alessandro Diamanti is pushing to start following his game-turning performance as a substitute against the Gunners.

West Ham are currently second from bottom in the Premier League table but Gianfranco Zola insists the club's financial woes are not to blame for their problems on the pitch - but he is not surprised to see two other clubs with money trouble keeping them company in the drop zone.

The Hammers are still desperately looking for a buyer, while basement boys Portsmouth have been hit with a transfer embargo over their debts and 18th-placed Hull's cash troubles have also come to light this week.

"I don't know if it is a coincidence," said Upton Park boss Zola.

"As far as I am concerned our financial situation is not affecting our performances. I can't judge for the others.

"Certainly it does not help, but you can do it without. Last year we did it and this year we can do it as well. I don't want to use it as an excuse for any of my players."

The plight of Pompey and the Tigers has taken some of the heat off Zola and West Ham, but the Italian added: "I don't feel pleasure when the spotlight is on other people, or on other people's problems.

"I just focus on myself and even when the spotlight is on us I try to be real - I look at problems without allowing the pressure to get to me."

The Hammers are still without a win since the opening day of the campaign, but they showed they may yet be up for the fight this season when they came from 2-0 down at half-time to draw 2-2 with Arsenal last Sunday.

The Stadium of Light brings good memories - the scene of the club's first win in eight attempts at the beginning of Zola's reign last season.

"It's a game we will try to win but it is not going to be easy," added the Hammers boss.