Zola backing for flops

Gianfranco Zola will be without suspended midfielder Mark Noble against Manchester City on Sunday as West Ham try and halt a run of five matches without a win.

The manager is expected to recall Jack Collison into midfield and could turn to £5million 19-year-old signing Savio for his first start.

David Di Michele is set to come in for Freddie Sears as West Ham look to recover from their woeful 2-0 FA Cup replay defeat at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

"It's how you react when you have had a bad time which is important," said Zola. "I expect us to bounce straight back because I have confidence in my players."

At the same stage last season, West Ham were 10th with 40 points, seven more than they have now. Zola added: "I am determined that we get back to winning habits. Our target is to improve on last season."