Slaven Bilic urges Hammers to be wary of Liverpool threat

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic admits he has no idea what Liverpool line-up they will face in their Emirates FA Cup replay on Tuesday.

The Hammers host Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Boleyn Ground in the fourth round after holding them to a 0-0 draw at Anfield last weekend

And Bilic expects his team to be ready to face up to whichever team Klopp fields, as the Premier League clubs battle for the right to face Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round. 

"We are well prepared for whatever team they come with," explained Bilic.

"We will know that one hour before the game and it is not a big problem.

"This is the third time we have played Liverpool and they have had different line-ups. 

"Daniel Sturridge is a great player and has been injured, but if it is not Sturridge, it will be [Christian] Benteke. 

"They have a lot of good strikers and the difference is the midfield."

Liverpool travel to east London with Klopp expected to be back on the touchline having had to sit out their draw with Sunderland at the weekend after a bout of appendicitis. 

And Bilic played down the significance of Klopp’s quick return, after they squandered a two-goal lead against Sam Allardyce’s men on Saturday in his absence.

"I don't think Klopp will be back because of the pressure. He will be back because he is like that," added the former Croatia boss.

"He is the leader. He is Jurgen Klopp and is a successful man. He likes to work. For him, this is natural and he wants to be back.

"Liverpool are a big club and have had their ups and downs this season. Make no mistake you have to close them down and can't give them time."

You can watch Tuesday night's fourth round replay live on BT Sport.