Kevin Nolan is excited to face an old teammate when West Ham United play Queens Park Rangers this weekend.
West Ham United midfielder Kevin Nolan is relishing the prospect of facing Queens Park Rangers’ Joey Barton this weekend.
The two sides go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon, and the Hammers’ midfielder is eying one battle in particular.
In an interview with West Ham’s official programme, Nolan said, “I am looking forward to facing a really good friend of mine in Joey Barton.
“I captained Joey at Newcastle and he was very respectful of me and helped me on a lot of ways. He was a good voice in the dressing room and it was great to play alongside him.”
The QPR midfielder faces a late fitness test to see if he has overcome a hamstring injury, but having been expected to return for this match it would be a surprise if Barton did not make it.
His club need him back having slipped to 18th place in the Premier League, while West Ham will be hoping to put the disappointment of defeat to Manchester United last weekend behind them.
Nolan in particular will want a positive result after seeing his late goal ruled out for offside in what would have been a game-changing moment at Old Trafford.
But if Nolan and Barton do clash on Sunday, it will be an almighty battle and the one that could ultimately decide the result.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
