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Senegal star poised for Hammers comeback Papa Bouba Diop could return to the West Ham starting line-up for the visit of Birmingham. The Senegalese midfielder has been out for three months with a thigh tear but returned as a late substitute in Friday's 4-0 win at Barnsley. Right-back Joey O'Brien remains an injury doubt after missing out at Oakwell so fit-again Guy Demel should keep his place. The Hammers suffered no new injuries so the bulk of the team should be unchanged, although Carlton Cole could be recalled to the starting line-up after he was rested against the Tykes. Sam Allardyce's side have not won at home in six attempts and are now four points behind both leaders Southampton and second-placed Reading. Birmingham boss Chris Hughton must decide whether to freshen up his line-up. Hughton will have been impressed with the way in which his team brushed aside Crystal Palace 3-1 on Saturday, with three goals inside the opening 32 minutes. But he will be aware of the demands two games in 48 hours will have on his side, who have already been stretched this season by their Europa League exploits and an extended FA Cup run. Striker Nikola Zigic was replaced at half-time at the weekend to keep the Serbian fresh and he is again expected to partner Marlon King in attack. Midfielder Keith Fahey returned from a groin problem to bag the second goal against the Eagles and will be keen to keep his place at Upton Park. The likes of Wade Elliott and Guirane N'Daw are options for Hughton should he opt to rotate one or two, but Jonathan Spector (thigh) and Pablo Ibanez (hamstring) are not yet ready while fellow defender Stephen Carr (knee) is battling to play again before the end of the season.