BENNI MCCARTHY is back to full fitness and could partner Carlton Cole up front for the Hammers at Arsenal on Saturday. The former Blackburn Rovers striker has not featured since his debut against Burnley at Turf Moor in February when he limped off at half

BENNI MCCARTHY is back to full fitness and could partner Carlton Cole up front for the Hammers at Arsenal on Saturday.

The former Blackburn Rovers striker has not featured since his debut against Burnley at Turf Moor in February when he limped off at half time with a knee injury.

But he was back as an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge and manager Gianfranco Zola will be looking towards his experience during the run-in.

Zola went for a 4-5-1 formation at Chelsea, but he may be more adventurous at the Emirates, with Alessandro Diamanti and Junior Stanislas also vying for a starting place.

Julien Faubert and Herita Ilunga are both considered very doubtful for the trip which could mean another start for Swiss defender Fabio Daprela at left back.

Jonathan Spector's dismal showing at Chelsea could force Zola to shuffle his defence once more, with Gabbidon a possibility to play at right back and James Tomkins looking to be restored to the centre of defence as Manuel Da Costa serves the second of his three-match suspension.