OPINION
West Ham, for the most part, have looked like a vastly improved side under Manuel Pellegrini.
There have been blips and mishaps along the way this season, but by and large the Hammers look like a side on the cusp of a genuine transformation in their fortunes.
For all of their wealth of options in attacking and midfield areas, however, the Irons are not exactly blessed when it comes to choices in the full-back positions.
On one side the ageing Pablo Zabaleta is rotated sparingly with the recently returned Ryan Fredericks, while at let back, the injury prone Aaron Cresswell has been doing battle with Arthur Masuaku for a regular starting berth.
Cresswell has done well when he has been in the side this season, but far too often he has been unavailable due to stints in the treatment room.
Against Newcastle United last weekend, the Englishman was fit enough to make the starting 11, but was withdrawn part way through after picking up a concussion.
Hammers fans must have had their heads in their hands at that point, with the only realistic alternative to Cresswell being the error-prone Masuaku.
Thankfully, however, according to Football.London, Cresswell should be available for the clash against Cardiff City on Saturday, and if their report is to be believed, then he must start.
It’s not that Cresswell is unplayable, or that he is drastically better than Masuaku, but he is much less likely to be at fault for some kind of fatal error, and that alone should be enough to give the Englishman the nod.