West Ham boss Slaven Bilic expects Wolves to provide tough test in the FA Cup

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is expecting Wolves to provide a serious test for his side in the FA Cup third-round tie on Saturday.

Bilic has warned his players not to underestimate their Championship opponents ahead of the match at Upton Park, having played in West Ham's loss to Wrexham in a third-round replay in 1997.

And as West Ham manager, Bilic admits he is looking for an extended run in the competition this season.

"It's a cup tie, it's a platform for a big surprise, and of course we are approaching the FA Cup very seriously," Bilic said.

"We are expecting a tough game. Wolves are on a good run, they are confident because they haven't conceded in three games. They are very hard to beat and very good on counter-attacks.

"But we are playing at home and I am expecting us to progress."

Bilic will be without influential midfielder Manuel Lanzini, who faces a few weeks on the sidelines with a recurrence of a thigh problem.

But the recent injury crisis is finally easing up as West Ham face Wolves and Bournemouth in the space of three days.

And Bilic claims that spate of injuries did have its positives with the emergence of winger Michail Antonio and the performances of striker Andy Carroll and defender James Collins.

Bilic said: "Regarding the game on Saturday, the good thing that came out of the bad thing - the injuries - is that now we have 20 players who are all regulars in our team, who played two weeks ago or a week ago.

"We have players who are match fit and that gives us more options, especially with the schedule of two games in three days, so that's a good thing, and we will see for Saturday and Tuesday.

"But make no mistake, we will put a team out that we really believe will win the game."