GIANFRANCO ZOLA is relishing the prospect of taking on Manchester United at Upton Park on Saturday, claiming the clash is a 'big opportunity' for his West Ham team.

The Hammers will be without Carlton Cole for the visit of the defending Premier League champions after the striker injured his knee ligaments. However, the club will be boosted by the news that he will not need surgery, after initial fears that he could need an operation, which would keep him out of action for the majority of the season, and will instead be back in the new year.

“It will be weeks rather than months,” said Zola. “We will see how therapy works for him but it will be that period more or less.”

Matthew Upson will also be missing for West Ham with a hamstring injury, while Luis Jiminez (groin) and Mark Noble (virus) are doubtful.

But Zola remained confident ahead of the match. “I have no concerns as I think my team will play a good game,” he added. “The pressure is on Manchester United, they have to win to chase Chelsea. Not many people are expecting anything from us and it is these kind of conditions where you can find surprises.

“It is a big opportunity. I know we are playing Manchester United but you need to see the positive side of it. They are a great team and champions but they are not unbeatable and it is down to us to exploit their weaknesses. It is not an easy task but that is why I like to play games like this – because they are not easy.”

West Ham are in decent form going into the weekend, having beaten Burnley 5-3 at the Boleyn Ground last week.

“We are getting there with our form. We have lost one in six and should have had more points as well,” added Zola. “The situation is improving and we just need to continue like that as everyone is making points and we need to carry on the run.”