West Ham United defender Ben Johnson says they will be up for the challenge of facing Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

Unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, after a 1-1 draw at Southampton on Sunday, the Hammers take on Jurgen Klopp's side after they ended Manchester City's unbeaten record this season.

But having helped David Moyes' men beat the Reds at London Stadium last season - and played in three narrow defeats on Merseyside - Johnson wants West Ham to travel without fear.

"The last few times we've been there we've been unfortunate with the results, during Covid and last season as well," said Johnson, referring to 3-2, 2-1 and 1-0 defeats.

"One hundred per cent [we can go there and have a go]. All the lads will be up for it in that atmosphere and to play in such a fantastic stadium against fantastic players, so we'll go toe-to-toe with them."

Declan Rice cancelled out Southampton's controversial first-half opener at St Mary's Stadium at the weekend as the Hammers made it seven points from a possible nine in the Premier League since the international break.

It helped them climb to 12th in the table, two points behind Liverpool in eighth, although Klopp's side have a game in hand.

And Johnson feels the Hammers have the ability in their squad to continue their improved run of form, picking out the impact made by Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca.

"Luca has been a fantastic addition and I think competition in all areas of the pitch makes you play better," he told whufc.com.

"For Mick [Michail Antonio] as well, whenever Mick has come in in Europe and in the Premier League as well, he has looked very sharp since Luca has come and I'm sure he'll have his chance starting again or even playing with both of them up front.

"He bring us a different option to Mick and I think that's what you need in a squad.

"For example, Flynn [Downes] gives you something different to Tom [Soucek] and Dec [Rice] and it gives the manager options.

"Around the back as well, we've got a lot of options, so hopefully we can push on with that and gain a lot of momentum in the Premier League becasue it's the most important competition for us."

West Ham return to London Stadium on Monday to welcome Bournemouth, then host Silkeborg in their next Europa Conference League group match next Thursday (October 27).