London derbies are usually about local bragging rights -- but tomorrow's home clash with Chelsea is far more important for West Ham's future.

And, when the big occasion beckons, it is a chance for Paolo Di Canio to return in the sort of style he would love.

The Italian has shaken off a stomach bug and is fit to take a place in the match squad -- his first link-up with the squad since the West Brom game back in February.

But caretaker boss Trevor Brooking is not saying whether Di Canio will face the side who saw him blast two great goals at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

"When I first spoke to Paolo I wanted to get him fit first of all," said Brooking. "But obviously nothing was guaranteed, and he will be happy to play, be on the bench, or not involved -- but he will be in the squad."

Much of the talk ahead of the game has concerned Chelsea's former West Ham star Frank Lampard.

The midfielder has outraged his former fans after he was quoted saying he "wouldn't mind" scoring the goal which sent Hammers into the Nationwide League.

But for Tony Carr, the youth team coach who brought him through the academy, there will be mixed feelings on the day.

"I just hope that doesn't happen, somebody has already said to me that it would be ironic if Frank scores the goal that puts us down.

"We could technically be relegated Saturday but I just don't want to even think about that at the moment."

Midfielder Steve Lomas is also expected to be in the squad, despite suggestions that he would need an operation on his ankle before the summer break.

But Joe Cole remains doubtful after suffering a knock at Manchester City last Sunday, and both Michael Carrick and Lee Bowyer are still out.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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