Prediction: Cardiff vs West Ham

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: William Hill

The Premier League returns this weekend, as we gear up for the final stretch of the season. There’s a lot still up in the air at both ends of the table, and no two teams know that more than Cardiff City and West Ham United. Just a few short months ago it seemed like these sides were pretty neck and neck regarding their ambitions for the campaign, but as time has gone on, one team has been able to push on towards even bigger and better things – whereas the other has struggled.

Cardiff

It’s been a difficult few months for Cardiff City Football Club, but even in the face of tragedy, they need to pick themselves up and dust themselves off. Neil Warnock is known for being a fighter, and he’s going to have to fight until the bitter end if he wants to keep this team in the Premier League. Their squad is full of plucky, spirited players, but you have to question whether that’s going to be enough between now and May. They’re not out of the discussion for survival, but they need to start grinding out results.

Team News

Sol Bamba will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, with Paterson and Arter being tipped to return to the starting XI after not appearing against Wolves.

West Ham

The Hammers are having a really strong season by their own standards, and they appear to be establishing themselves as legitimate contenders for the top half (and potentially more). The squad they have suggests that should be the least they achieve this season, but as we all know, the Premier League is an unpredictable place. If they can keep pushing on and strengthen even further during the summer, then the good times could return pretty soon to the London Stadium.

Team News

Marko Arnautovic could only make the bench last week, but the hope is that he’ll be fit enough to start in this one. Nasri could come into the team for Lanzini, with Cresswell’s fitness being a game-day decision.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium.
• Cardiff have won two and lost four of their last six games.
• West Ham have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Cardiff have scored six goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.
• West Ham have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

These two teams can be incredibly entertaining when they’re at the top of their game, and we think that’s the kind of encounter we’re going to get this weekend. Cardiff desperately need a few big results to ensure they don’t fall away from the rest of the pack, whereas West Ham still have realistic ambitions of qualifying for the Europa League. We think the visitors will race into an early lead, only for the spirit of the Bluebirds to bring them back from the brink and secure a point.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 23/10

Bookmaker: William Hill