Julen Lopetegui has said his West Ham team will not fear taking on Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will miss the match because of suspension, while three players were forced off injured during Thursday’s win at Southampton.
The Hammers lost 5-1 in a Carabao Cup tie at Anfield in September.
Given those squad issues, Lopetegui was asked whether it was a “frightening” prospect to come up against an in-form Liverpool, to which he replied: “Are we afraid? No.
“We have big respect for all teams, but we have the same respect for Southampton and for Liverpool. We are talking about the best team in the Premier League – they have top players and a very good coach.
“We have to believe in our strengths and our opportunity to find solutions for the next challenge. We are happy to have this kind of match at home.”
