Liverpool stand in West Ham's way

Slipping away
Saturday's home defeat by relegation rivals Watford FC means West Ham are solely fighting to preserve their Premiership status after exiting both domestic cups, along with the UEFA Cup. "Yes, we're out of the FA Cup but the season's certainly not slipping away and we desperately need to start winning in the Premiership. There's another chance on Tuesday and I'm totally focused on the Liverpool match because that's all that matters now," said manager Alan Curbishley.

Relegation zone
Victory over Liverpool could lift the Londoners above Wigan Athletic FC, who travel to Reading FC on the same evening, and out of the relegation zone. Curbishley, who may turn to new recruit Kepa Blanco in attack after the Spanish Under-21 international was unveiled at the weekend, said: "We're certainly not out of it, but we've got to start getting results so let's hope that begins on Tuesday."

Catching Chelsea
Liverpool, after a ten-day break, are seeking to build on their last match, a home success against Premiership title-holders Chelsea FC. Manager Rafael Benítez is fully aware of the importance of the visit to Upton Park, where a win could close the gap on second-placed Chelsea to two points. "As always, our idea is to take things one game at a time. You can't beat Chelsea and then lose to West Ham, otherwise the position will be similar to what it was," said Benítez.

Neill sidelined
West Ham could hand a home debut to defensive newcomer Calum Davenport, who was cup-tied on Saturday, but Lucas Neill faces three weeks out after spraining his ankle against Watford. Neill had been due to encounter the club he rejected in order to join the Hammers last week. Liverpool won the sides' first meeting earlier this season, a game memorable for a long-range goal by Daniel Agger. Also on Tuesday, sixth-placed Portsmouth FC welcome Middlesbrough FC while relegation-threatened Sheffield United FC host Fulham FC.