ALAN Pardew believes his Hammers players will relish the challenge
of being the underdogs going into tonight's Play-off semi-final
second leg at Portman Road.
Pards' side could have finished the tie at Upton Park in the
first leg after racing into a two-goal lead. But after pegging
Hammers back to 2-2, Ipswich are the bookies' favourites going
into the second leg.
It's a scenario that sits very nicely with the Hammers boss.
"The second leg is all set-up for us," he said.
"There is going to be huge pressure on them playing in front
of their own crowd and hopefully that could work in our favour.
"We were disappointed not to have finished the tie at Upton
Park, but there is a lot of confidence around the squad going into
the second leg, because we know that we're capable of
performing on big stages like the one that will face us at Portman
Road tonight.
"The expectation is on Ipswich. We are the underdogs going to
Portman Road and we've got it all to play for in what will be a
big atmosphere.
"It's rare that we enjoy the underdog feeling, but when we
have this season we've done very well. I certainly enjoy it and
hopefully the players will benefit from the feedom of not having
such intense pressure on them this evening."
Hammers have certainly shown this season that they are capable of
producing their best form when the odds are stacked against them.
Wins at Sunderland, Wigan and, perhaps most pointedly, Ipswich have
demonstrated West Ham's big match hunger and it's a streak
Pards believes we will see again at Portman Road tonight.
"The players are extremely positive," he said. "The
big occasions have suited us this season, especially away from
home, and that can only give you confidence going into the away leg
of a Play-off semi-final.
"There's no negativity. We know what we have to do,
we've worked on controlling the game and being tight at the
back this week, and I'm confident that the character of my
players is sound.
"The most important thing is that we get through. Nothing else
matters to the players, to the fans or anyone connected with the
Club.
"No doubt we'll have another magnificent set of away fans
at Portman Road and we'll certainly need their backing tonight.
"It's going to be a tough game, but I believe we can do it
and hopefully our fans are driving home deliriously happy this
evening and looking forward to booking their tickets for the
Final."