Under-fire West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has called for his team to use the hurt and disappointment of Wednesday night’s 6-0 drubbing to spur his side to victory over Cardiff City.
The Hammers will want to end what has been a shocking week for the East end club on a high as they search for their first win in seven.
The struggling Irons have conceded 13 goals in a little over a week as the Hammers brittle back line has shown its defensive frailties in abundance.
Allardyce though, will be boosted by the news that Andy Carroll is edging closer to a first team berth as he is selected in the first team squad for the first time since the last game of last season.
His return will bring a smile to the face of the beleaguered West Ham faithful, who have been losing all patience with Allardyce and the board in recent weeks.
For West Ham this game represents yet another must win game, it seems that I am writing this in every preview going in recent weeks, and the Hammers have struggled in every game. Allardyce is usually Mr Reliable when it matters but in recent weeks the former Bolton Wanderers man looks like a broken man, he has used questionable tactics and his side have looked so short of confidence it is worrying.
A win will see the Hammers climb above the Bluebirds and outside of the relegation zone should results go the Irons way, but, going on recent form it is hard to call anything but a defeat for the East end club.
For Cardiff, it is a fresh start, after the rather shocking treatment of Malky McKay by laughable owner Vincent Tan. The Malaysian has move rapidly to secure the services of former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who steps into the Cardiff home dugout for the first time tomorrow.
The Bluebirds know a win would open up a further gap between themselves and the relegation zone and place their counterparts firmly into the relegation dogfight.
The new gaffer has urged former Hammer Craig Bellamy to continue playing, as he looks to add experience to his ranks. He has though added to his squad with the arrival of former Manchester United youngster Magnus Wolff Eikrem, the impressive Norwegian joined from Heerenveen last week and will be one to look out for.
It is a game that both teams have to win, and with Cardiff in the better form following their 2-1 away victory over Newcastle United the smart money would be on a home win.
Team News:
Cardiff City could hand a debut to new signing Magnus Wolff Eikrem, the Norway international signed from Dutch side Heerenveen in midweek. Craig Bellamy may figure after two months out with knee and ankle trouble.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he will make a “calculated” decision on whether to recall Andy Carroll after an eight-month absence with a foot injury. Carroll, who last played in May, could join defender James Tomkins in returning to the Hammers side.
Score prediction: Cardiff 1 West Ham United 0
Come on you Irons! Prove me wrong once again.
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