West Ham missing 10 first-team regulars for Everton visit

Carlton Cole will start on the bench for Everton's visit to West Ham this evening with Avram Grant unable to call on 10 of his 25-man first-team squad as the manager attempts to secure consecutive league wins for the first time this season. Cole scored twice in the vital 3-1 victory at Fulham on Boxing Day. The win lifted West Ham from the foot of the league and if they beat Everton, Fulham lose at Stoke City this afternoon and Birmingham City are defeated by Manchester United tonight then Grant's team will be clear of the relegation zone. While Cole is unable to start two games in two days due to a long-standing injury, ruled out completely through injury or suspension are Danny Gabbidon, Kieron Dyer, Valon Behrami, Tal Ben Haim, Lars Jacobsen, Benni McCarthy, Mark Noble, Manuel da Costa, Thomas Hitzelsperger and Jack Collison. Junior Stanislas, who was impressive against Fulham, will be on the bench. But Scott Parker will start against Everton despite not being completely fit and Luis Boa Morte is back from suspension. "We want to continue our winning feeling," said Grant. Our target in the squad this week was to win at least two from the three games but when you win one already you want more. Everton didn't play on Boxing Day so maybe they will be fresher but we have the character to go again. "We have to build on Fulham and continue to combine performances with points. Sometimes when you win it is better than a good training session for the preparation. I can promise that no one will feel tired against Everton."