BIG MONEY MAN: Frederic Kanoute is the most expensive signing in the current Hammers squad. Harry Redknapp paid Lyon £3.75 million last season and he has two goals to his name so far this term, including the winner against Newcastle on Saturday

LAST SIX RESULTS: Newcastle (h) won 1-0 (Kanoute); Arsenal (h) lost 2-1 (Pearce S); Ipswich (a) drew 1-1 (Di Canio); Coventry (a) won 3-0 (Cole, Di Canio, Lampard); Liverpool (h) drew 1-1(Di Canio)

SEASON SO FAR: After a great season last year the Hammers have struggled. Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle United was their first at Upton Park this season MANAGER: Harry Redknapp is one of the longest serving managers in the Premier League after taking over from Billy Bonds at Upton Park in 1994. He has steered the Hammers to three successive top 10 finishes in the top flight. And the future of the club looks in safe hands with a crop of exciting youngsters like Joe Cole and Michael Carrick coming through.

TOP SCORER: Fiery Italian hit-man Paolo Di Canio is the Hammers top scorer with five goals so far this term. Signed in January 1999, the former Juventus, Lazio and AC Milan striker is a big crowd favourite at Upton Park.

PREDICTED LINE-UP: Harry Redknapp is likely to opt for a 3-5-2 system with Stuart Pearce, Ian Pearce and Rio Ferdinand across the back. Freddy Kanoute will partner Paolo Di Canio upfront.

ONE TO WATCH: England starlet Joe Cole is the name currently on everyone's lips. But his midfield colleague Michael Carrick also looks set for a big future after making his first team debut last season. The 19-year-old England Under 21 international is a classy performer who can also play upfront

DID YOU KNOW? West Ham have never won the League Cup since the competition began. They have, however, got to the final on two previous occasions -- in 1966 and 1981.