Premiership: We won't fear Arsenal, says Roeder

West Ham boss Glenn Roeder insists his side will not fear title-chasing Arsenal when they run out at Highbury tonight.

The Gunners have won nine Premiership matches in a row and are intent on continuing that run to ensure they maintain their advantage over rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

But West Ham are playing well themselves and Roeder insists there is no chance of his side laying down in the face of Arsenal’s championship bandwagon.

‘‘We don’t want to go into any game fearful. Fear is a very negative factor and stops you from performing,’’ he said.

‘‘We are obviously respectful, which is different, but hopefully we will not show too much respect, where again that would be a hindrance.

‘‘Looking at the boys in training, they are really looking forward to the game, and we want to keep things going away from home.

‘‘The lads are motivated and that is pleasing and they have got to be like that tonight.

‘‘They have got the flavour of what we have been asking them to do. The season doesn’t end until the last kick against Bolton and we don’t want to let go of that opportunity of finishing seventh.’’

The manager is faced with something of a selection dilemma as Frederic Kanoute has declared himself fit after illness after missing Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Roeder also has to decide whether to retain former Gunners left-back Nigel Winterburn, who was recalled for the weekend, in what is likely to be an emotional farewell at the scene of so many triumphs during the 38-year-old’s career as part of the famous Arsenal back four.

Winterburn is leaving West Ham when his contract expires in the summer and although he wants to continue playing, he expects to be plying his trade in the Nationwide League next season rather than the Premiership.

‘‘Nigel has had a great season and he has had a fantastic two years here, and he has been a credit to West Ham, as he was to Arsenal for 13 seasons,’’ Roeder told the club’s website, www.whufc.com.

‘‘It was a difficult decision to release him, and he had certainly been pressing me for a new contract over the last few months, which I hadn’t really been able to give him.

‘‘He was a terrific signing and as far as I’m concerned he is a role model for our young players.

‘‘But you have got to look to the future as well, and we have signed Vladimir Labant who is 27 or 28 and an experienced international player.’’