PREVIEW: CITY V WEST HAM

Match Previews

A comprehensive look at Saturday's Premier League tie

Cardiff City v West Ham United
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium
Date: Saturday, 11th January, KO 3pm
Match-tag:#CARWHU (Live tweets on @CardiffCityFC)
LISTEN LIVE ON CARDIFF CITY PLAYER

Ole Gunnar Solskjær takes charge of his first match at the Cardiff City Stadium as the Bluebirds take on West Ham United in a crucial Barclays Premier League encounter.

MATCH FACTS

-    The Hammers have dropped 14 points from winning positions this season; more than any other team in the Premier League.
-    West Ham have lost their last five Premier League games on the road. The last time they lost six in a row on the road was in 2006 when they lost eight in a row under Alan Pardew
-    Cardiff have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six at home in the league.
-    City are the only team in the Premier League yet to win a penalty this season. They are yet to concede one as well.
-    Seven different players have scored for Cardiff in the league this season.
-    New Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored 91 goals in 235 Premier League appearances for Manchester United. His last league game for Manchester United came against West Ham United.
-    Solskjær scored seven times against West Ham United in the Premier League; making then his joint-favourite opponents (along with Everton, Tottenham and Charlton).

KEY PLAYER:Mohamed Diame



An ever present in the Hammers midfield this season, the Senegal International was pivotal West Ham’s opening day victory over the Bluebirds at Upton Park in August. Continuing his form for much of the season, Diame has proved to be the most consistent and influential midfielder for West Ham so far this season.

IN-FORM PLAYER:Carlton Cole 



Returning to the club in October, Carlton Cole has added some much need reinforcement to the Hammers strike force since his return, scoring three goals to top their scoring charts this season.

RECENT FORM (ALL COMPETITIONS):

Cardiff City: WLLDLW
Last time out: Newcastle United 1-2 Cardiff City – Saturday, 4th January, FA Cup with Budweiser third round.



Second half strikes from Craig Noone and Fraizer Campbell saw the Bluebirds come from behind to progress from the FA Cup third round tie at St James’ Park and claim a first victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjær in his first game in charge.

Team - Cardiff City: Marshall; McNaughton, Hudson (C), Turner, John; Whittingham, Kim (Smith), Gunnarsson, Cowie; Odemwingie (Noone), Cornelius (Campbell). Subs not used: Lewis; Caulker, Brayford, Conway.

West Ham:  LLDLLL
Last time out: Manchester City 6-0 West Ham United – Wednesday, 8th January, Capital One Cup, semi-final, first leg.




A hat-trick from front man Alvaro Negredo, double from striker Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure effort was enough for Manchester City to claim a commanding lead in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg in midweek. The Hammers now need a miraculous comeback to keep hopes of a Wembley final alive next week.

Team – West Ham: Adrian, Demel, O'Brien (Rat, 75), McCartney, Johnson, Noble (Diarra, 57), Diame, Taylor, Downing, Cole, Maiga (Cole, 45). Subs not used: J Jaaskelainen, J Collison, R Morrison, M Jarvis.
   
BETTING

Bet with our official online betting partners SkyBet and back your club! www.skybet.com/cardiff

Cardiff City: 10/11
Draw: 12/5
West Ham: 3/1

Match Special: Craig Noone to score first in a 2-0 win for the Bluebirds brings odds of 60/1! Place a £10 bet and win £600!

LAST COMPETITIVE MEETING:

2013/14: Tuesday, 24th September 2013, Capital One Cup – West Ham 3-2 Cardiff City



Two early goals from Ravel Morrison and Matt Jarvis put the Hammers into an early lead at Upton Park before a spirited City fightback saw efforts from Craig Noone and a first City goal for Peter Odemwingie drew the Bluebirds level. Ricardo Vaz Te scored a late winner for the Hammers to secure their progress.

Team - Cardiff City: Lewis, Connolly, Hudson (C), Odemwingie, Brayford (McNaughton 45), Noone, Mutch, Cowie, Mason (Smith 55), Maynard (Gestede 90), John. Subs not used: Moore, Gestede,Harris, Lappin, Healey.
         
REFEREE: Lee Mason

Having been appointed as an assistant referee in the Premier League from 2000 to 2002, Lee Mason was given the opportunity to referee in the top flight four years later, and he has maintained his position as a Select Group referee ever since.

Mason officiated in the North West Counties League for eight years before getting on to the Football League ladder for the first time. Two years as an assistant were followed by two years in the same role in the Premier League.

Mason last took charge of a game involving the Bluebirds in November in City’s clash with Arsenal at Cardiff City Stadium.

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