The Hammers never really got going against Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Wednesday night, where they fell behind to an early goal from Stewart Downing before eventually bowing out of the cup 2-0.

After a decent run of results around the turn of the year, the Irons have now gone five games without a win.

However, victory over City could lift Zola's men back up into the top eight, and possible contention for a UEFA Cup place.

"The guys are not willing to sit on this too long and we are determined to put another run of good results together," Zola said.

"We are really dying for it (a win) again, and that is the kind of feeling we must have.

"We know what we are capable of achieving and will work very hard to make this happen."

Craig Bellamy is set to return to Upton Park tomorrow for the first time since his departure during the January transfer window when the Wales striker left to join Mark Hughes' Eastlands revolution in a £14million deal.

The move, though, left some Hammers fans frustrated at the loss of the talented forward, who arrived at Upton Park from Liverpool for what was then a club record £7.5m in the summer of 2007.

Zola, however, insists all that is now in the past.

"I hope he (Bellamy) can have a good reception, but that is not down to me," said the West Ham manager.

"However, it is not my concern. It is important we focus, I focus, on winning the game.

"He is a big player and he is one of the City players we will have to look after.

"But I have already spoken a lot about him leaving and now that is it on that subject."

Tomorrow will give Zola, who took over at Upton Park in mid-September following Alan Curbishley's departure, the chance to renew acquaintances with City boss Hughes.

Zola, 42, played alongside the Welshman when Chelsea won the FA Cup at Wembley in 1997.

"It will be a pleasure to see him and to shake hands with him again," said the Italian.

"We were partners - and had a very good partnership together."

Zola added: "When we were playing together, he always had the attitude and the qualities to be a manager."

Midfielder Mark Noble is suspended, so Jack Collison looks set to come into the starting XI.

Defender James Collins (hamstring) and winger Luis Boa Morte (groin) are both out.