Daryl McMahon is included in the squad, which is likely to be Matthew Kilgallon's last shout in a West Ham shirt with his loan spell from Leeds coming to an end.
He could get a chance if Ian Pearce, included in the squad but doubtful, is not fit to play.
"Although we wanted to get West Brom out of our system it was ideal that we didn't have a game last weekend because David Connolly was still coming back into it and we were short up front against West Brom when Jermain went off."
With Richard also available as an attacking option, Alan will have more choice up front at the weekend.
"I couldn't change much against West Brom to take the pressure off the midfield and once we lost Jermain's pace we couldn't threaten them."
Looking at the game in terms of recovery from the defeat by West Brom, Alan Pardew says:
"We have had a think about what is needed to organise the team and the characters that are needed.
"We have got some great players here, believe you me, but the whole make-up has to be there and you have to contribute to the team as well as themselves.
"There were aspects of the West Brom game that really disappointed me, in terms of the digging in and pulling together, and that didn't happen for whatever reason.
"These players have shown me a fault but I will certainly give them licence and opportunity to put that right - and I will do on three or four occasions.
"But if it happens more then you have to start looking for other players - it has happened once under my stewardship and I don't want it to happen again."
SQUAD: James, Bywater, Lee, Repka, Dailly, Hutchison, Carrick, Horlock, Connolly, Pearce, Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Deane, Quinn, Garcia, Ferdinand, Kilgallon, Byrne, McMahon.