Samir Nasri has been handed his first start at West Ham as Manuel Pellegrini names a strong side for their FA Cup third round tie against Championship Birmingham.
The Frenchman, who agreed a short-term deal with the club, having trained with them since November, on December 31 and has not started a game since November 26 2017 after serving an Anti-Doping ban.
Pellegrini has made six changes from a midweek draw against Brighton, though Marko Arnautovic surprisingly keeps his place up top, alongside youngster Xande Silva.
The Hammers have not made it past the quarter finals of the competition for a decade, reaching the final in 2006, but face a Birmingham side who have lost just three of their last 22 games under Garry Monk. The former Swansea boss is excelling in tight conditions as the Blues face financial fair play sanctions.
With Pablo Zabaleta rested, Michail Antonio is once again called upon to cover at right-back.
Confirmed West Ham XI to face Birmingham City
West Ham (4-4-2): Adrian; Antonio, Diop, Ogbonna, Masuaku; Diangana, Rice, Obiang, Nasri; Arnautovic, Silva
