West Ham to Rest Players Saturday

West Ham are set to rest some of their key players for the Portsmouth game on Saturday after they won in extra time against Bolton last night.

It was the best result possible for Portsmouth as West Ham not only had to play 120 minutes but will play there F.A cup quarter final on Monday night against Man City. West Ham won 2-1 with a wining goal from Harewood.

There is more good news. Apparently four players were suffering from cramp which is fantastic.

'Having to play this replay, a Premiership game and a sixth-round tie in the space of five days is, I feel, too demanding,' said the West Ham manager.

'This game went to extra-time. Four players suffered from cramp after the game and I had guys struggling in the changing room.

'We have a massive turnaround for Saturday's game against Portsmouth, let alone Monday when we will have one day to prepare.

'Both sides will have no preparation, both sides will be on automatic and both Stuart Pearce and I will be standing on the sidelines just hoping it goes for us.'

'I didn't have the most illustrious of careers as a player but I did get to an FA Cup final. I remember the build-up to the quarter-final was such an exciting time and that has been robbed from the players,' said Pardew

'I feel aggrieved for the players. We will have had just one day to prepare, not allowing any players who have injuries sufficient time to recover.

'The schedule does not allow a manager to prepare properly and professionally and doesn't do the competition justice.'

I expect the West Ham manager to rest at least four of his first team regulars against Portsmouth on Saturday. Which could mean a start for Teddy Sherignham against his old club?

Harry Redknapp was watching in the stand and although he saw a West Ham win he would have gone away with a renewed optimism of getting all three points Saturday.

There's more good news! The week after we play Arsenal, on the Tuesday after that they will be playing in the Champions League. Is it to much to ask that they rest Henry?

There is more, Sol Campbell is set to return against Portsmouth which may not seem good news but it is thought that Sven will be at Fratton Park for the first time. This, if true, is a great opportunity for Matt Taylor to impress, seing as Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge are both struggling.

Is it just me or does it feel like things are starting to change?

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