New signing Stewart Downing starts on the bench today as West Ham United take on Cardiff City.

The winger, who was signed from Liverpool, is joined by fellow new recruit Razvan Rat.

Modibo Maiga gets a rare start in attack, with support from Matthew Jarvis and Joe Cole. Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble make up a familiar midfield partnership.

Last year's Championship winners, Cardiff City, give debuts to Steven Caulker and Gary Medel.

Medel, the club's record signing who joined from Sevilla last week, partners Aron Gunnarsson in the middle.

Craig Bellamy and Peter Whittingham, who were crucial to last season's success, also start.

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, O'Brien, Collins, Reid; Noble, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis, Cole; Maiga

Cardiff City: Marshall, Connolly, Caulker, Turner, John; Medel, Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Kim; Bellamy, Campbell