West Ham: The view from the opposition

Seventh meets eighth in the Barclays Premier League at Anfield this afternoon, with Sam Allardyce's in-form Hammers currently one point ahead of the Reds in the standings.

To preview the contest, Liverpoolfc.com spoke to Ashton - who joined the London club in January 2006 and notched the second goal in the dramatic 3-3 showpiece of nine years ago.

Injury problems forced a hugely premature retirement for the popular England international in 2009 and he now operates as a pundit and co-commentator on the game he loves.

That has included regular visits to watch West Ham in action, so the 31-year-old was well placed to provide a lowdown on what to expect from Allardyce's charges on Merseyside.

Have you been surprised by how well West Ham have performed so far this season?

Definitely. After last year's performances, you thought it might be a real struggle again this season. But to be fair to the club and Sam Allardyce, they have brought in some brilliant signings and they have settled in really quickly. They have made the difference, they have given the team a lot of pace, which they didn't have last season. It has just transformed the team.

Their attacking combinations have particularly caught the eye...

The pace to get in behind defences suddenly gave the likes of Downing a bit more freedom. Since Andy Carroll has come back as well, it then gives them a totally different dimension; it means that at times they can be a bit more direct, because Andy is so difficult to play against. They have got the likes of Valencia, Kevin Nolan and Sakho that can then feed off Andy Carroll. It gives the other teams a bit of a problem, they are second guessing what West Ham are going to do.

We saw that at Upton Park, when they beat Liverpool 3-1. Are they capable of doing something similar this weekend?

It's going to be a lot more difficult because Liverpool are in great form. A lot of the signings have found their feet as well, they have looked really good in recent weeks. I've been really impressed with Lallana, who I was surprised didn't come on at Stamford Bridge. I think it will be a much more difficult test for West Ham - but what has changed this season is that they will believe that they can go to Anfield and get a positive result.

Do you still watch a lot of West Ham?

I try to watch them as much as possible. I have managed to see them a few times, whether it's been there or working on the games. It has been really refreshing to see a different style of football, and obviously for the fans as well it's great to see. It is refreshing and long may that continue. But it's going to be very difficult to go to Anfield.

On Anfield, what are your memories of going there as a player?

I'm gutted in a sense that I never really got to play there properly. I was a sub there when Torres scored a hat-trick against West Ham, I came on just for a few minutes there. But I never really got to have a full game at Anfield, which was disappointing. But what everyone says about the stadium, the fans and the song before the game, it is as special as everyone says. It was a pleasure to be there.

Does the atmosphere at Anfield have a real effect on visiting teams?

Absolutely. What is strange about Liverpool is that because they have got such history, I think players - unusually - almost want to touch the Anfield sign in the tunnel, when obviously you're the visiting team. The song when you come out of the tunnel is so renowned and so special, you almost get caught up in that moment. I think that's what catches teams out. And Liverpool have always started very strongly at home, and before you know it you can be out of the game.

What is your prediction for this weekend?

I think West Ham will go there and make it very difficult for Liverpool. If Liverpool don't score early, I fancy West Ham to get a draw. So I can see a draw this weekend.

Finally, what are you doing these days? Are you involved in the media side of the game?

Yes, luckily I'm managing to do more games, more punditry work and co-commentary work - which is brilliant. I had a good few years where I didn't do anything just to get over having to retire early. But football has always been my first love, so it's great to get back into the game in some capacity and enjoy what is a very exciting Premier League these days.