Herita Ilunga is relishing the prospect of taking on an old friend when West Ham United welcome Portsmouth to east London on Boxing Day.
Frederic Piquionne will be leading the visitors' attack and was twice a former team-mate of the Hammers left-back. The pair were together at Stade Rennais, before linking up at Saint-Etienne. During that latter spell, Ilunga was voted player of the year and, unsurprisingly to the Boleyn Ground faithful, a firm favourite with supporters.
He said: "I knew Frederic at Rennes, where we were together with the reserves. We teamed up again at St Etienne where we were together two years. He is a good forward. "
Ilunga was pleased to play his part in an encouraging team display against Chelsea last Sunday after admitting he has found the stop-start nature of this season frustrating. "It's been difficult for me, " the 27-year-old said. "The season started badly with a fractured jaw and then I got a hamstring problem against Aston Villa. But I'm not making excuses, football's like that - you have to accept it."
A steady presence in the Hammers ranks, Ilunga has had strong backing from the fans, who have understood the difficulties he has faced this season. "They're the best fans in England," he said, particularly mindful in return of the hassles many face when travelling to away games. "It can't be easy for them but even when we are losing they keep getting behind us and singing."
With DR Congo not involved in January's CAF African Cup of Nations or the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Ilunga will himself have a supporting role this summer. He said he has high hopes for his new adopted country in the summer finals.
"I am a supporter of England. I play in this wonderful league in this great country so I really hope they do well. London is a lovely city and I am really happy to be here. It's a wonderful opportunity. I love this place. I like variety and you can find everything you want here."