Cardiff City vs West Ham Utd (Team News)

Cardiff City have few injury concerns ahead of today's important clash with promotion chasing West Ham United but Malky Mackay is unsure on several players after a combination of the grueling Carling Cup Final and midweek International travel left them exhausted.

Steve McPhail is not in consideration through illness but teenager Joe Ralls returns to contention after recovering from a calf strain.

New signing Liam Lawrence is not available with a minor calf strain, but should be available for the midweek trip to Brighton. Mark Hudson is hopeful of playing after returning to action at Wembley, he was forced off through cramp but has not suffered any adverse reaction to his previous calf injury.

A major decision for Mackay comes up-front with the misfiring Kenny Miller's place under threat. Rudy Gestede gives us an important alternative option, and could play alongside Mason or with Vuckic behind. However, Mackay looks likely to keep faith with the veteran Scottish striker.



est Ham Utd have injury concerns of their own with Winston Reid suffering a blow to the head knock while away with New Zealand in midweek. He faces a fitness test ahead of the game.

Giant striker John Carew is ruled out with a knee problem, but the Norwegian is out of favour and the Hammers have Carlton Cole to call upon! Papa Bouba Diop is also out with a hamstring injury.

Experienced left-back Matthew Taylor is suspended for the visitors but lynchpin Kevin Nolan returns to the squad having served his 3-match ban. A similar ban for key goalkeeper Robert Green was avoided after his sending off was rescinded.

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