A host of stars will be in action for Mark Noble's testimonial at Upton Park, Monday. Present West Ham players, who are not on international duty, will take on former stars of West Ham like Rio Ferdinand, David James, Paolo DI Canio, Craig Bellamy and more.
Noble belongs to the rare breed of footballers who have stayed loyal to one club. Noble could have played for other teams in the EPL, but he has stuck with West Ham since 2004.
"There aren't many of us that stay at a club in this day and age for 10 years, especially the club you've been brought up with and you support," The Guardian quoted Noble as saying.
"I just take it in my stride and train every day. When I speak to my dad and my wife, and friends, they say it's 10 years at West Ham, you're leading the team out every week, when you sit back and really think about it, it's very rare."
The result of the testimonial match does not hold much importance as former stars and fans will show their appreciation for the midfielder.
Though there were fears that the match might be played to just a few thousands of people at Upton Park, the testimonial game is said to be a sellout. Noble is pleased with the club, who offered him a testimonial game. The proceeds of the game will go to three charities -- Help for Heroes, the Dylan Tombides Foundation and Richard House Children's Hospice.
Noble has been a great servant for his team, and has been instrumental this season as well, where West Ham are fighting for a Champions League spot. It will be the icing on the cake if Noble, who is at the fag end of his career, carries his team to Europe's elite club competition.
Players such as Bellamy, James, Di Canio might be past their prime, but the match is expexted to be competitive and played in a wonderful atmosphere. The fans might not take any side, but a goal from Noble will make everyone's day at Upton Park.
Players like Di Canio and Bellamy, who scored wonderful goals for the club in the past, will be eager to relive their days at West Ham where they were respected figures. They will want to entertain their fans with their quality play, and most importantly make this day a memorable one for Noble, who has given a certain identity to West Ham.
Where to watch live
Mark Noble testimonial match between West Ham vs All Stars XI is scheduled for 12:30pm GMT (6pm IST) start. There is no live TV coverage of the game in India.
The UK and Ireland viewers can watch the Mark Noble testimonial match between West Ham vs All Stars XI on BT sport Europe and online on BT Sport live streaming.