Upson and Parker back for Hammers

Matthew Upson and Scott Parker both returned to Avram Grant’s starting XI as the West Ham boss looked to ease the pressure on his shoulders with a win against Birmingham in tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

Frederic Piquionne and Freddie Sears were the other two changes to the Hammers team that beat Barnsley on Saturday as Carlton Cole had to settle for a place on the bench.