Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham United can reignite their fight for Barclays Premier League survival at Everton on Sunday afternoon.
Zola's side go into the live Sky-televised date at Goodison Park seeking to end a run of six consecutive defeats.
Everton, meanwhile, have recorded victories in their last six home matches in all competitions - a run dating back to their 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat by Birmingham City on 23 January. David Moyes' men have overcome the likes Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United in recent weeks.
While the odds may be stacked against them, the Hammers will be going all out to upset the Toffees this weekend.
"Sometimes in football, strange things can happen and things can happen that are unexpected, and that is what I am looking for," said Zola.
"The players know they are working hard, they are committed and they are focused and they are staying strong. We have had a lot of adversity to overcome, but we are strong and we are going to do our best.
"I am sure there will be a lot of supporters travelling up there and we want to please them because they deserve a good trip."
The manager also defended his decision to allow some of his players and coaching staff a pre-planned three-day break earlier this week.
With three matches in eight days last week, Zola said it was important for everyone to have the opportunity to recharge their batteries ahead of what promises to be a dramatic run-in.
"We played on 20 March with Arsenal, then on the 23 March with Wolves and on the 27 March with Stoke, so we had three games in eight days plus, after another defeat, I thought it was the right thing to do to give them a little break.
"Plus, I am the manager and I decide what we do. I spend every single day working with these players and nobody can tell me what I have to do for them."