LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard has told his team mates to be wary of a West Ham backlash when the sides meet at Anfield today, writes James Randall.

The Irons were left reeling following Saturday's 4-0 thumping by Chelsea at Upton Park and Englad star Gerrard (pictured) believes the east Londoners will be keen to bounce back.

He told the club's official website: "As footballers, when you are on the end of a battering you hurt and you want to put it right straight away.

"They'll (West Ham) come to Anfield hoping to get a good result, and a good result for them would be a draw.

"That's what they'll come here to get, but a draw is no good for us."

The match will finally see both sides draw level on the amount of games played with the rest of the teams in the Premier League.

A win for the Reds would see them leapfrog city rivals Everton into fourth place, while a win for the Hammers would put them to within two points of seventh place.

It should make for an interesting clash.

"West Ham have bought some good players after a disappointing season for them last year," Gerrard said.

"They've got good players and a good manager, so we have a lot of respect.

"We're desperate for the points though, and we're at Anfield.

"We've been waiting for this game for a long time, now we've got to make it count."

West Ham have not won at Anfield since 1963 and their task is more difficult given that the merseysiders are in good form having won their last three games.

However, there are several omens in the Irons favour. For one, they will be looking to complete a league double over the Reds following a 1-0 victory at Upton Park in January.

Liverpool have also hardly been prolific at home this season.

But, while six home draws has seen them fall out of the title race, Gerrard is confident that the squad is good enough to put a winning run together between now and the end of the season.

"Some of the draws have been very disappointing because we've been really good at home in the last few seasons," he said.

"Normally we struggle away from home but it's vice versa this season.

"I'm sure we'll get both right in time and improve on our league position."