Walker gets Hammers start

Walker returned to the West Ham side for only his second start of the season as manager Alan Pardew made two changes for the clash with Manchester City.

Walker, whose only other appearance since damaging knee ligaments in last year’s play-off final came in a 4-2 defeat to Portsmouth, replaced Shaka Hislop.

Shaun Newton was also granted a rare start in place of Matthew Etherington, who injured his calf in training during the week.

City, who have not won since losing to West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-final, made one change following last week’s defeat to Tottenham with Albert Riera coming in for Danny Mills.