West Ham United vs Cardiff City
Date: 04/12/2018
K/O: 19:45
Venue: London Stadium
Referee: Graham Scott
West Ham welcome Cardiff City to the London Stadium on Tuesday night with both sides looking to build on impressive wins last time out.
The Hammers claimed a welcome win on Saturday, as they defeated Newcastle 3-0 at St James’ Park. Javier Hernandez marked his return to the side with a brace and the win lifted Manuel Pellegrini’s side to 13th. Pellegrini’s outfit have been an erratic side this season and the quality of players they have at their disposal should indicate a higher league position. This is not the case though but Saturday’s victory showed what they are capable of and with the relegation zone a healthy six points below the Hammers, Pellegrini will be hoping for a win against the Bluebirds to increase this gap.
Cardiff on the other hand are a side who have put their poor early season form behind them and having picked up their second win in three games against Wolves on Friday night, there are signs that the Bluebirds are worthy of their Premier League status and will continue to fight against the odds of relegation. The manner of the win was morale-boosting and Neil Warnock will hope that it will kick off a string of favourable results. The result on Friday lifted Warnock’s side out of the relegation zone – a position where they have resided for much of the season so far.
West Ham will be the favourites going into the game though, due to their home support as well as the manner of their last win. The likes of Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic can do damage to any side on their day and Cardiff will be wary of them. Warnock’s confidence will be emboldened though, and the Bluebirds won’t present an easy task to the Hammers.
Team news
West Ham
Marko Arnautovic’s recurring injury problems have affected West Ham at times this season, but he has started the last four games so he should be okay for this one. The long-term absentees for Manuel Pellegrini are considerable though, as the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko, Ryan Fredericks, and Carlos Sanchez continue to be sidelined.
Fabian Balbuena complained about a dead leg after the Newcastle game, but he should make the starting XI against Cardiff. Arthur Masuaku, who has started at left-back for most of the season was replaced by Aaron Cresswell last time out; yet the Englishman suffered a hamstring problem in that game and a late call will be made regarding his fitness.
Robert Snodgrass’ impressive display on Tyneside will surely mean that he will retain his spot on the right wing and the rest of the team should be unchanged, as Hernandez and Arnautovic will look to form a mean striking partnership.
Cardiff City
Greg Cunningham and Kenneth Zohore continue to be sidelined for Cardiff, as they are recovering from knee and calf injuries respectively. Jazz Richards will also play no part as he is sidelined courtesy of a hamstring problem.
Warnock played a three-man defence against Wolves to counter their formation, but he should revert to a four-man defence for the trip to the capital. This would mark the return of left-back Joe Bennett, likely at the expense of Junior Hoilett or Josh Murphy.
Callum Paterson will spearhead the attack and Aron Gunnarsson will provide solidity in midfield, as he has done so well in recent weeks. Joe Ralls will be joined by Spaniard Victor Camarasa in midfield who will have to deal with the solid opposition pairing of Mark Noble and Declan Rice.
Predicted Starting XI’s:
West Ham (4-4-2): Fabianski; Masuaku, Balbuena, Diop, Zabaleta; Anderson, Noble, Rice, Snodgrass; Arnautovic, Hernandez
Cardiff City (4-1-4-1): Etheridge; Bennett, Morrison, Bamba, Ecuele Manga; Gunnarsson; Murphy, Camarasa, Ralls, Arter; Paterson
Score Prediction: West Ham 2 Cardiff City 0
Cardiff have been woeful away from home this season and this is expected to continue in London. West Ham should have enough to get past the Welsh side and with their front four in form, there are bound to be goals.
