West Ham host a suddenly revitalised Cardiff City on Tuesday night. Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds have won three of their last six matches, including a come from behind 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.
West Ham are also playing well heading into their midweek fixture. The Hammers are unbeaten in four of their last six games and most recently defeated Newcastle 3-0 at St. James’ Park. Despite both teams playing decent football and getting results, their clash is a major opportunity for one side to distance itself from the relegation pack.
Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers have won their last six games against Cardiff in all competitions. The Hammers outscored the Bluebirds 14-2 during that stretch. However, the two teams haven’t play each other since January 2014 when they last met in the Premier League. West Ham prevailed with a 2-0 win on that occasion. All six meetings saw more than 2.0 goals per game.
Although Cardiff have been stringing points together, they are still winless on the road. They have lost four straight away games while being outscored 10-2 by the home teams. Warnock has seen his players record just one win outside of Cardiff City Stadium. Just two goals have been scored by the team on their travels and a –10-goal difference has been posted.
West Ham haven’t been much better at home, but they have taking points from Manchester United and Chelsea at the London Olympic Stadium. Eight points from 21 have been tallied at home along with a –3-goal difference. West Ham striker Javier Hernandez goes into Tuesday’s game in-form as the Mexican hitman scored twice against Newcastle. The brace was just Hernandez’s second and third goals for West Ham this season. He now has 11 in 38 Premier League games, which is a disappointment after Hernandez’s stellar career at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.
Cardiff have a massive week ahead of them. After winning against Wolves, they now take on West Ham and Watford at the weekend. Theoretically, Cardiff could gain nine points from nine, which would be them right in the middle of the Premier League table. Warnock still has plenty of holes in his team. The club is being linked with several players in January, including Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne. If Cardiff can improve their current position, they may be able to lure Clyne and others to Wales for first-team opportunities.
Pellegrini’s team is far more settled and has more top-flight football experience than Warnock’s side. That experience and talent will see West Ham win on Tuesday night in a close, cagey affair. Cardiff’s away form will continue to haunt them as West Ham win at home.