Having been knocked out of the FA Cup, West Ham tonight go into Premiership battle with Liverpool, the team who stopped them walking away with the trophy last season.

Steven Gerrard's last-gasp piledriver broke the Hammers' hearts at the Millennium Stadium, and many commentators believe the Irons have never recovered from the agony of their subsequent penalty shoot-out defeat.

Since that fateful day last May, the Hammers have staggered from one crisis to another, and desperately need a win to boost their dwindling hopes of Premiership salvation.

Unfortunately for Alan Curbishley's men, Liverpool have proved to be West Ham's nemesis in recent seasons, with the Reds being unbeaten in nine matches against the Irons.

Despite their poor recent record against Rafa Benitez's men, Curbishley is adamant his side can get something out of tonight's game.

"I don't think the season is slipping away," he said.

"We're out of the FA Cup, but we desperately need to get some wins in the league. I am totally focused on tonight, because that's what matters.