"It is a good break from the league and a chance to test ourselves against what is going to be a very, very good Chelsea side," he says.
"It is a cup game, a one-off match, and anything can happen; we are going there to win, not just make the numbers up.
"Whether we do or not won't be for the want of trying.
"We have won the last two games and that obviously breeds confidence - we have nothing to lose on Wednesday night and we will be going for it."
It is a chance, of course, for West Ham to face three old boys - if they are selected - in Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Glen Johnson.
Are the players hoping to face former colleagues?
"We have not really thought about it," says Rufus, "but I think they themselves will want to play against West Ham.
"Whether they do or not we will have to wait and see because they have a very big squad."
As to who Rufus thinks will win the title, he adds:
"I would like to see Chelsea win it because I still speak to Glen Johnson, but if not I would like Man U to do it."
Rufus remains friends with Glen, almost half his age.
* Andy Melville has decided to retire from international football with Wales after winning 65 caps.