Konstantinos Mavropanos has made a surprise return to the West Ham United XI as Scott Parker selects his side for the first time ahead of Wednesday night’s Championship clash with Cardiff City in South Wales.

Parker presided over a record-breaking defensive record at Burnley in 2024/25, conceding only 16 goals in 46 matches. West Ham United have let in 18 after just 13 this season. However, the return ahead of schedule of giant centre-back Dinos Mavropanos is a massive and unexpected early boost.

Soungoutou Magassa gets Scott Parker’s backing at West Ham United

Mavropanos replaces teenager Airidas Golambeckis in the backline. Soungoutou Magassa is also in for his first appearance of the season. Magassa was sidelined by Nuno Espirito Santo but comes straight in under Parker. Mohamadou Kante makes way for his fellow Frenchman.

Taty Castellanos gets the nod up top meanwhile, between Jarrod Bowen and the returning Manor Solomon.

Parker was a huge fan of Alphonse Areola at Fulham when they worked together in 2020/21. However, Mads Hermansen keeps his place in the XI tonight. Kyle Walker-Peters picked up an injury against West Brom on Saturday. He is not in the squad. Neither are Pablo Felipe or Edson Alvarez. Joel Veltman starts at right-back.