Following an impressive home win last Saturday against Newcastle, West Ham will look to make it three wins out of their last four against Premier League strugglers Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.
First-half goals from Declan Rice and a Mark Noble penalty was sure enough to see off Newcastle, albeit it the Magpies did have some fantastic opportunities to stay in the game, potentially enough to tie it up.
If it was not for the fantastic, last-ditch defending from Issa Diop late into injury time in the first half, the Hammers could’ve seen a more contested second.
Another boost for the Hammers was the return of several notable key players, with the return of both left backs in Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell, although the latter was substituted midway through the second half with what seemed to be an injury.
Another surprise appearance was that of Manuel Lanzini, who made his first start for side a mere 10 months after his horrific knee injury. Further positivity on the injury front sees Fabian Balbuena return to action for the U21s, as he builds up his match fitness and is expected to be available for selection on Saturday.
The Hammers visit Cardiff in a crisis period for the Bluebirds, who have lost their last three and will be without club captain and centre-back Sol Bamba for the rest of the season.
The fixture is an important one for both clubs, for the home team, it’s a must-win in order to keep up with fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton.
Meanwhile, West Ham look to secure three points in their ambitions to secure a seventh-place finish, with fellow battlers Wolves and Watford facing tricky games away at Chelsea and City respectively.
Here is the starting XI I believe Manuel Pellegrini will select for the trip to Cardiff:
