MIDFIELDER Scott Parker is a doubt for West Ham with an Achilles problem.
Kieron Dyer has returned to the club from a loan spell at Ipswich and Jack Collison continued his return from a long-term knee injury for the reserves in midweek.
Junior Stanislas (hernia) is ruled out, while Manager Avram Grant will serve the second of his two-match touchline ban.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has been declared fit after recovering from the slight hamstring strain which led to him being substituted during last weekend's 1-0 home win over Newcastle.
Villa boss Gerard Houllier has no fresh injury worries as his side look for the win which will take them to the 40-point mark and close to safety.
His only major selection poser is in central midfield with skipper Stiliyan Petrov, January signing Jean Makoun and Nigel Reo-Coker vying for two places.
Last season: Aston Villa 0 West Ham 0, West Ham 2 Aston Villa 1.
Last five league matches: West Ham W W D L L; Aston Villa W L L D W.
Top scorers (all competitions): Demba Ba (West Ham) 13; Darren Bent (Aston Villa) 16.
Match odds: H 5-4 A 21-10 D 12-5.
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
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