McCartney ready to deliver Hammer blow to Arsenal and United - Sport - Evening Standard
       

McCartney ready to deliver Hammer blow to Arsenal and United

George McCartney wants West Ham to use the spirit of last season's amazing relegation escape as they prepare to face the top two teams in the Barclays Premier League.

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The Hammers are up against Manchester United tomorrow and Arsenal three days later.

But belief stems from Alan Curbishley's men doing the league double over both teams last season - when they completed the most unlikely of survival bids.

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No fear: McCartney has faith hhis side can cope with the big guns

"It is going to be very tough," said McCartney on WHUTV.

"They are first and second in the league and they have got great players playing well for them - but we have got to believe.

"On any given day, any team can win - and we will take hope from that."

Curbishley's men lost to Arsenal earlier in the season and also to Chelsea, but both were narrow defeats.

"We have played well against teams from the top," said goalkeeper Robert Green.

"We had a good game against Chelsea earlier this season and were disappointed to lose it."

The Hammers had a reputation of raising their game against high-profile opposition last season, then struggling with the lesser lights.

Reading were reduced to 10 men on Boxing Day but still earned a point at Upton Park.

United loom as West Ham look to improve their poor home record of two league wins in nine.

"It was a little bit flat against Reading, and we hope the fans will be really up for Saturday," said Green.

"We need to lift the crowd - it is a two-way thing."

Nolberto Solano is relishing the chance to play against the big teams.

"I like to play against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool - the big teams," said the Peruvian.

"We know it will be tough - but it will be special."

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