Strong Squad To Face Blades

ALAN Pardew has named an experienced squad to take on Sheffield United in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

Every player reporting for duty this weekend has first-team experience, with the youngest member of the squad, 17-year-old Mark Noble, expected to line-up alongside the experienced Teddy Sheringham.

Bobby Zamora and Anton Ferdinand, who both missed last weekend's game against Derby County with ankle injuries, are available for selection again, but Gavin Williams misses out having sustained a similar injury in last Sunday's match.

Senior players Don Hutchison (knee), Steve Lomas (calf), Christian Dailly (knee) and Matty Etherington (groin) are all on the injured list.

Pards said: "Christian Dailly hasn't been able to train much this week and isn't fit enough to be involved. Hopefully, he'll be able to get some football under his belt soon.

"Steve Lomas is still recovering from a calf problem, but we're hoping he'll be available in a couple of weeks.

"Matty Etherington is coming back after a groin operation and we're hoping he'll be available in time for the trip to Stoke on 12th February."

The team to face Sheffield United will be chosen from the following squad:

Bywater (GK), Walker (GK), Repka, Brevett, Powell, Chadwick, Mackay, Zamora, Fletcher, Rebrov, Sheringham, Harewood, Reo-Coker, Ferdinand, Melville, Mullins, Noble, Cohen.

West Ham United v Sheffield United at Upton Park, kick-off 3.00pm