Sam Allardyce does not believe West Ham United can learn from Aston Villa's shock 1-0 win over Liverpool last Saturday when the two meet at Upton Park on Saturday (5.30pm).

The Hammers host Brendan Rodgers’ side at Upton Park and will be looking claim their second win of the season, whilst capitalising on Liverpool’s sluggish start to the season.

Liverpool fell to their second defeat from four Premier League matches on Saturday, going down 1-0 to Aston Villa at Anfield thanks to Gabby Agbonlahor's first-half strike.

However, Allardyce believes the lessons his side can learn from Villa’s win are minimal as the Hammers host the Reds, rather than travelling to Anfield.

Speaking at his Thursday press conference, Allardyce said: We're playing at home which makes it a bit different. We're not going to go all out to attack them. They'll set up a bit differently away from home.

"I think one of the most important things will be how well we look after the ball, and what we do with it when we've got it. They leave a few gaps due to the attacking style they play, so we'll have to exploit them when we can.

"We might not get as much possession as we usually do so we'll have to make the most of it, and take the chances we create."

He added: "I'm not daft enough to say we're going to press Liverpool and pin them back in their own half, I don't think that is going to happen. But we're going to try when we can but make sure at the same time we're resilient at the back.

“If we're on top of our game we'll give them a very good match."

West Ham were held to a 2-2 draw at Hull City on Monday night, a game in which club-record signing Enner Valencia marked his debut with his first goal for the club.

And Allardyce believes his side are ‘evolving’ after a busy summer of recruitment during the transfer window.

He mused: "Our team is evolving isn't it? We brought nine players in this summer, similar to Liverpool. When you try and integrate them into the team it's difficult because we don't know everybody's strengths and weaknesses yet.

“We’re still learning how to get the best out of our players. That takes time; you create more time for yourself if the results go your way.

"We got a decent result on Monday against Hull having come back from goals down twice. We're in a good frame of mind; the players always look forward to the big games.”

Re-calling last season’s 2-1 defeat against the Reds at Upton Park, Allardyce said: "I remember last year we were sadly done by a refereeing decision. They complained that they had to park too far away, the dressing rooms were too hot, and the grass was too long, whatever.

“It was a shame they won on a dubious penalty because we played ever so well. Hopefully we can repeat that minus the penalties."

The Reds made their return to the Champions League on Tuesday, beating Bulgarian side Ludogorets 2-1 thanks to Steven Gerrard’s 90th minute penalty.

Mario Balotelli scored his first goal since joining the club in a £16m move from Milan, before Dani Abalo equalised for the minnows in the 90th minute.

It took an injury-time penalty from captain Gerrard to win the tie after Spanish defender Javier Manquillo was brought down inside the penalty area.

The Hammers will be without full-back Joey O’Brien (knee), skipper Kevin Nolan (shoulder) and Andy Carroll (ankle). Winger Matt Jarvis will undergo a late fitness test.

Rodgers is without Daniel Sturridge (thigh), Glen Johnson (thigh), Jon Flanagan (knee) and Emre Can (ankle), whilst Joe Allen (knee) is doubtful.