Riise not underestimating Hammers

After knocking out Manchester United and Chelsea en route to Cardiff many people might assume Liverpool had done all the hard work. However, John Arne Riise says the Reds may be favourites to lift the FA Cup but they certainly won't be taking anything for granted tomorrow afternoon.

"When you play a final everybody wants to get to another level and produce the best form they can because you want to win a trophy," said Riise.

"We had a difficult run to get to the final, we beat some very good teams and so have West Ham. So both teams deserve to be in the final.

"Big name players have to step up. Both teams have big players and, with a little bit of luck, the best team on the day wins.

"I hear people say West Ham are underdogs but in a final anything can happen.

"The FA Cup is famous for that and we will treat West Ham with a lot of respect because we know they are a good side and a very strong side.

"They have done very well in the Premier League and also to get to a final, so we are watching all their players very closely before the game to get to know them, the same that they will do with us.

"In the league you have 38 games and you can have some bad games, but the final is one chance and you have to play your best to win it."