Pardew urges fans to roar Hammers home

"It's a big blow to lose him at this time but fate has dealt its hand. We've not had a lot of luck in that respect this season, losing Teddy for a couple of spells plus Christian Dailly and Matthew Etherington, but the good thing is that the man who will replace Teddy tonight, Bobby Zamora, is in good form."

Pardew expects no favours from Sunderland tonight, despite the fact Mick McCarthy's side are already assured of promotion.

"They will want to wrap up the title," said Pardew. "I know I would if I was in their position. Second is not first and it will be good for Mick that they are out of Sunderland.

"Wherever those players have gone this week they've been slapped on the back and congratulated and I would think Mick has had enough of that already. There will be enough time for that in the summer."

Pardew is aware that a win tonight will pile the pressure on both Derby and Reading, the clubs either side of West Ham, but the Hammers manager said: "There are a few twists and turns in this one yet.

"People talk about Crystal Palace's great run last season but they forget they were beaten by Coventry in their last game of the season and, in the end, got in the play-offs because we drew with Wigan.

"It will go to the final game whatever happens this weekend. We are in the play-offs now but it's possible we could win and go down a place."

Play-off rivals Reading entertain Wolves tomorrow, and West Ham midfielder Shaun Newton will be hoping for a favour from some old friends.

Signed on a short-term deal from Molineux, Newton has had experience of the play-offs with both Charlton and Wolves and said: "I still keep in touch with some of the lads up at Wolves and they have said they will try to do us a favour.

"We're only just in the box seat but we'll take that. Teddy will be a big miss but Bobby Zamora is buzzing and will want to show people he deserves to wear the shirt on a regular basis."

West Ham have teenager Hogan Ephraim in their squad, while Sunderland recall George McCartney.

Ephraim joins England's Under-17 squad after the match and Pardew said: "I'm not happy about that. He's in our squad tonight and we may well need him next week as well."