Neil Warnock talks up West Ham and singles out quartet for special praise ahead of Cardiff clash

West Ham United arrive in Cardiff on Saturday with praise from Neil Warnock ringing in their ears.

The Hammers have worked their way into ninth place in the Premier League with nine games to play.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side are battling it out with Wolves, Watford and Everton for a potential place in Europe.

Seventh spot will be rewarded with a Europa League place IF one of the Manchester clubs win the FA Cup.

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Project Pellegrini has given West Ham its identity back

Pellegrini has transformed West Ham this season.

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Some excellent recruitment and an exciting, attacking brand of football has given the club its identity back.

Finishing in the ‘best of the rest’ position and qualifying for Europe would represent a superb achievement for the East Londoners. Particularly given the Premier League-worst injury problems Pellegrini has had to endure this term.

Cardiff have their own concerns. Sitting in 18th place the Bluebirds have done brilliantly to be in contention for survival against the backdrop of the tragic circumstances surrounding striker Emiliano Sala.

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Hammers face stern test with Cardiff fighting for survival

Neil Warnock’s side sit two points off safety with nine games to play and will be fighting for their lives.

That should mean Pellegrini’s side are in for a stern test.

And they arrive in Wales with Warnock signing their praises over the level of quality in the Hammers ranks.

He also highlighted a key quartet for special praise (Wales Online).

“We played well at West Ham, missed a penalty and then conceded silly goals, so we want to make sure people are on their games,” Warnock told Wales Online.

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Warnock singles out Hammers quartet

“I remember (Cardiff owner) Vincent (Tan) talking about their wide player, (Felipe) Anderson, who cost £40million.

“(Robert) Snodgrass I had at Leeds, (Javier) Hernandez scores goals, (Declan) Rice is going to become an England regular.

“But we’ve got to show togetherness now.”

Former Sheffield United bosss Warnock used to be something of a hate figure at West Ham over his comments during the infamous Carlos Tevez affair.

The divisive manager is often complimentary about the Hammers, though, and says he has many friends that support the Hammers.