Joe Cole returns as the Hammers visit White Hart Lane

West Ham United travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday looking to end their 360 minute away goal drought, the Hammers haven’t scored an away goal since a late Andy Carroll strike at the Etihad last season.

With the missing Andy Carroll, who this week continued his rehabilitation work in Belgium the east end club have looked toothless in front of goal with Modibo Maiga baring the brunt of the criticism.

The Malian international is yet to open his account this season and at times has looked like a rabbit in headlights in front of goal. For a West Ham player this is the perfect time to silence the Hammers faithful with a goal in what is arguably the biggest away day in West Ham’s footballing calendar.

The form of Maiga and the lack of goals scored from the squad is now becoming concerning not just for us fans but for Sam Allardyce himself. (Although many will argue, Allardyce only has himself to blame, for not bringing in a decent enough back up for Andy Carroll in the summer.)

He said, “I would like him to have scored a few more goals and made a bigger contribution, but that’s not been the case. We have got other players with us and having the chances that he and they have had and failed to score puts even more pressure on the centre forward.”

With this being the Irons first London derby of the season as it always does the game has that extra bit of spice and bite; it is a game that players cannot go hiding in.

West Ham will be mightily relieved then to have Joe Cole back in the squad for the trip to north London, a player who has played the majority of his career in London, is no stranger to a feisty London derby.

Although not expected to be ready to start the game, Sam Allardyce confirmed his delight at having Cole back in the squad “Certainly if I can get him on the bench that would be very good from our point of view because you want all your players fit and available for selection.”

Whilst the Hammers find themselves at the lower echelons of the Premier League table, their near rivals Tottenham Hotspur are flying high, following a busy window which saw them spend 100 million pound on new players following the departure of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

The arrival of Eriksen and Paulinho in particular has played a key role in Spurs’ recent form. They find themselves lying in 3^rdplace having just lost one game against close rivals Arsenal. Something the Hammers will hope to continue as Tottenham have only picked up a point this season in derby matches.

Despite the Hammers struggles on the road Spurs centre halve Jan Vertonghen expects a tricky tie against West Ham.

“They have a good team, and we had difficult home and away games against them last year.”

Before adding, “There are no easy games in the Premier League. West Ham have bought good players, and they’ll want every point so they will come here and defend well.” The Belgian told Spurs.com.

But with players like Roberto Soldado, Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Jermain Defoe chances are going to come aplenty and if the Irons are going to walk away with anything from this clash they will have to defend like lions and finish any chances created.

Team news (from BBC.Com/sport)

Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul picked up a muscle injury on Thursday against Anzhi Makhachkala in the Europa League and will be absent.

Danny Rose, Aaron Lennon and Etienne Capoue are not expected to return to the first-team squad until after the international break.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has Joe Cole available again after a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Striker Andy Carroll and midfielder Alou Diarra remain long-term absentees.

My Team line up:

Jussi

O’brien Tomkins Reid Rat

Noble Morrison

Downing Nolan Jarvis

Petric (though I expect it will be Maiga)

Come on you Irons!!!

Bowdenwhu Predicts: Heart- 2-1 West Ham Morrison 89^th minute winner

Head Tottenham 3 West Ham 0

Tweet me @Bowdenwhu