West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes the 4-0 League Cup drubbing of United back in November will inspire his side on Saturday.

West Ham midfield star Thomas Hitzlsperger believes that the team are capable of toppling Manchester United for the second time this season when the sides meet in a Saturday lunchtime showdown at Upton Park.

The Germany international, who celebrates his 29th birthday next Tuesday, is determined to have an early celebration and he sees no reason why West Ham can’t supply one.

“I am just looking back to the Carling Cup game between the two of us, that was a fantastic game for us,” said Hitzlsperger, who is one of the few players left at the West Ham training ground this week as so many are away on international duty.

“I saw that game and it was a fabulous performance so if we look back on that one, we know that we can beat them if we are playing to our strengths.

“If we are playing well we can beat them, but they are the best team in the country at the moment and it won’t be an easy afternoon.”

Hitzlsperger has played five games in claret and blue since recovering from a thigh injury and he has already formed a good partnership with Scott Parker and Mark Noble which could be vital on Saturday.

“We have not just got a good midfield, we have good strikers and a good defence,” insisted the German.

“But it is true that Parker has been exceptional all season. It is good playing with him and Mark Noble as well. They want to pass the ball and not just play long balls.”

Hitzlsperger’s injury kept him out for the first six months of the campaign and he has been surprised by how well he has got into the groove since coming into the side in February.

“I’m happy with the way it is going. After such a long injury, I didn’t really know what to expect,” he said.

“But in four of the games I have played 90 minutes, so it is more than I expected to be fair.

“I’m quite happy with the way things are going. I’ve scored goals, set a few up, so I couldn’t have dreamed of a better start. But there is still a long way to go and plenty of room to improve.”

So, is the German predicting a victory in Saturday’s sell-out?

“I’m not predicting anything,” he said with a grin. “I am hoping for a victory. I am in a good mood, so are the other players and therefore it should be a good afternoon.”

Let’s hope so.