Mark Noble is back in contention for Sunday's derby against Chelsea and is backing his team-mates to give the leaders a tough test.
The midfielder was harshly sent off a week ago at Birmingham City and had to sit out the midweek trip to Bolton Wanderers because of the resulting suspension. With two defeats in those fixtures, Noble knows that the weekend date will have many neutrals predicting an away win. However, he believed such thinking could work in the Hammers' favour.
Speaking during one of the club's three Christmas hospital visits this week at King George in Goodmayes, Noble said: "Everyone is going to think it is a foregone conclusion and they are going to win but it is just eleven men against eleven men. If we can go out there and play to our capabilities and make it hard for Chelsea then you never know what the final score could be."
All at the club are mindful of last season's experience when some predicted doom and gloom, only to be confounded by a Hammers' resurgence. Indeed, going into this same weekend a year ago, West Ham were a point away from the drop zone. Also, tellingly for the weeks to come, Chelsea's visit sees them become the final club of last season's top eight to make the 2009/10 trip to the Boleyn Ground.
Although under no illusions about the gravity of the situation, Noble for one will not give in. "I am sure we can dig deep and get out of it," said the 22-year-old, showing typical defiance of someone who is the longest serving player at the club. He was further buoyed by this week's chance to meet sick youngsters in need of some festive cheer.
"The position we are in the table, obviously we know it is not good but you get perspective when you come and see kids in a place like this. It has been brilliant to come here."