The Hammers will not fear the challenge from Liverpool

Julen Lopetegui said his West Ham team will not be afraid to face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will miss the game through suspension, while three players were injured in Thursday’s win at Southampton.

The Hammers lost 5-1 in the Carabao Cup at Anfield in September.

Given these squad problems, Lopetegui was asked if facing an in-form Liverpool was a “scary” prospect, to which he replied: “Are we scared? No.”

“We have great respect for all teams, but we have the same respect for Southampton and 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 a home game like this.”