Tony Gale reckons the trip to Derby is definitely going to have
better entertainment value than last year!
The corresponding fixture, shown on Sky, was a dour stalemate and Tony anticipates more goalmouth action this time around.
"I remember going there last season - it was the first game under Colin Todd's coaching and they shut up shop.
"They were having problems themselves and it really was a boring game.
"That was the fault solely of Derby County; they had been conceding a lot of goals, and they rarely attacked West Ham for large parts of the game.
"But I think we are going to get three points up there, and I'm really confident.
"There is a good mood within the camp with the signings that have been made and we will score goals."
With Fredi Kanoute and Hayden Foxe back in contention - his name was originally ommitted from the squad list, but he IS back after a broken finger - the squad has a more senior look about it.
"Fredi is class and very important to us so it is important to have him back," says Tony.
"Todorov has done all right but he is still learning the game and Fredi is class - all Premiership defences should be worried about him.
"I think this is one of the matches that you have to target because Derby are one of the teams that I anticipate will be struggling at the end of the season."
The game marks the first return for Christian Dailly to Derby since he left for Blackburn three years ago.
The corresponding fixture, shown on Sky, was a dour stalemate and Tony anticipates more goalmouth action this time around.
"I remember going there last season - it was the first game under Colin Todd's coaching and they shut up shop.
"They were having problems themselves and it really was a boring game.
"That was the fault solely of Derby County; they had been conceding a lot of goals, and they rarely attacked West Ham for large parts of the game.
"But I think we are going to get three points up there, and I'm really confident.
"There is a good mood within the camp with the signings that have been made and we will score goals."
With Fredi Kanoute and Hayden Foxe back in contention - his name was originally ommitted from the squad list, but he IS back after a broken finger - the squad has a more senior look about it.
"Fredi is class and very important to us so it is important to have him back," says Tony.
"Todorov has done all right but he is still learning the game and Fredi is class - all Premiership defences should be worried about him.
"I think this is one of the matches that you have to target because Derby are one of the teams that I anticipate will be struggling at the end of the season."
The game marks the first return for Christian Dailly to Derby since he left for Blackburn three years ago.