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West Ham v Albion - team news

Anelka handed start as Downing makes six changes

NICOLAS Anelka is handed his first appearance in more than two months as Keith Downing makes six changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Tottenham on Boxing Day.


And Saido Berahino is recalled to the Baggies’ starting XI to partner him in attack.


In defence Billy Jones and Gareth McAuley are drafted back in, while in midfield there are returns for Youssouf Mulumbu and skipper Chris Brunt.


The men to make way are benched quartet Matej Vydra, Craig Dawson, Claudio Yacob and Morgan Amalfitano, as well as Zoltan Gera and Steven Reid, who are left out altogether.


Shane Long misses his second successive game due to a calf strain and Victor Anichebe is ruled out for a third game running due to a groin problem.Sam Allardyce makes two changes to the Hammers side that lost 3-1 at home to Arsenal two days ago.


Sam Allardyce makes two changes to the Hammers side that lost 3-1 at home to Arsenal two days ago.


Jussi Jaaskelainen comes in for the benched Adrian, while Razvan Rat replaces the injured James Collins in defence.


WEST HAM: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Nolan (c), Tomkins, Jarvis, Rat, Noble, O'Brien, Diame, C Cole, J Cole. Subs: Adrian (gk), Collison, Maiga, Taylor, Diarra, Demel, Chambers.


ALBION: Foster; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Lugano, Ridgewell; Morrison, Mulumbu, Brunt (c); Anelka; Berahino. Subs: Myhill (gk), Vydra, Dawson, Sessegnon, Sinclair, Yacob, Amalfitano.


REFEREE: M Dean (Wirral).