City tackle West Ham on Monday looking for a return to winning ways on the Premier League front after losing their 100% record in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford last weekend.

While few Blues fans would grumble at the effort their team put in, or how close they came to snatching a point following Craig Bellamy's equaliser in the final minute of normal time, it is a measure of the level they now aspire to there can be no hangover.

"West Ham is a big game for us to win after the derby result," Zabaleta told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"It is an opportunity for three points to keep us high in the table.

"It's not impossible to finish in the top four, but it's not easy - the Premier League is very combative.

"We have good quality players, but we need to play very well to be in the top four."

Zabaleta is hoping to keep his place after being handed his first start of the season in Wednesday's Carling Cup win over Fulham.

Although it was thought the Argentina star would get the right-back role this term, he ended up losing out to Micah Richards.

However, with Richards ruled out in midweek by a shoulder problem, the former Espanyol star stepped into the breach and produced an excellent performance as City reached the last 16.

"It's not easy being on the bench, everyone wants to play but it's so difficult - there are so many quality players," he said.

"You need to work hard every day to get your opportunity."

City are targeting a top-four spot and will look to return to winning ways against the Hammers after losing their 100% record at Old Trafford.

Hughes is likely to have a double dose of good news before kick-off on Monday, with new signing Roque Santa Cruz and Michael Johnson both set to be available for the first time this season after knee and abdominal injuries respectively.

Hughes will also check the fitness of Stephen Ireland after the midfielder was released from hospital on Thursday morning after being admitted when he complained of dizziness during the Fulham encounter.