Even I have to admit that last term's West Ham-Tottenham match was probably the best one that I got to see in 2006-07. I had recorded the match while traveling on business, I heard the result and the details of how heartbreaking the loss was, but I still watched it when I returned, and it didn't fail to compel. Just as I'd happily trade the excitement of beating the drop last term for a nice, safe finish in the top half this term, I'd be plenty happy with a 2-0 home win Sunday as the Hammers and Spurs meet at Upton Park to end the two-week international break.
West Ham's troubling injury situation improved somewhat during the break. James Collins and Freddie Ljungberg each played two international matches. Scott Parker and Dean Ashton played in a reserve match. Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins are back in training. Quite happily, manager Alan Curbishley notes that he will have some tough selection decisions to make. On the downside, striker Craig Bellamy's groin injury remains a problem, and it may require a more invasive surgery that would sideline him for a "prolonged period." Midfielder Lee Bowyer is out on suspension for accumulating five yellow cards, and also had hernia surgery during the international break. On the injury front for Tottenham, perhaps the best news for West Ham is the continued absence of centre-half Ledley King. Tottenham's problems have largely been at the back: Spurs have conceded 24 goals in 13 matches in the Premier League this term. Spurs are an exciting side to watch because they have excellent attacking options upfront and are weak at the back, so they tend to keep their opposition in the game.
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