Preview - West Ham vs. Cardiff (League Cup)

What can be said about Saturdays game? I feel so hard done by, such a cruel loss after being 2-1 up after 80-or-so minutes. two absolute worldie free-kicks from Baines sunk us when in winning positions. The 3rd time a free kick has un-done us already. What are the chances?

The Noble red card really cost and his second booking was daft and cynical. However the first booking was very soft. But that's football!

The positive I take from it is that we're losing to individual brilliance rather than poor play or defending ourselves. The negative is that we seem to lack this quality ourselves.

I'd like to see Petric start tonight, I feel he did really well when he came on and I am running out of patience with Maiga.

West Ham find themselves wearing thin once again. Key midfielders Joe Cole and Stewart Downing have only just returned to training, and therefore find themselves unfit to play in tonight’s Capital One Cup game.

The Hammers will also have to do without central midfielder Mark Noble, after he was awarded a red card at the weekend in the 3-2 loss at home to Everton.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay is set to make a host of changes to his side with Nicky Maynard, Mark Hudson, Joe Lewis, Don Cowie, Jordan Mutch and Craig Noone all in contention to feature at Upton Park. Mackay could also opt to hand new signing Peter Odemwingie a first start.

In terms of current form, both sides have started the season on level terms, having won one, drawn two and lost one of their first five Premier League matches.

Tonight’s fixture is of the utmost importance for both teams.

West Ham fans will be particularly up for this match after Saturdays cruel loss to Everton.

I really hope West Ham can go on a cup run this year. We already ready know we can beat Cardiff but anything can happen in the cup.

I predict a 2-1 win for West Ham (after extra time)

COYI