Sam Baldock is banking on Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday night to add to his impressive goal haul this season.
The West Ham United striker has eight goals in eleven matches this season, including six in his first seven for MK Dons. Baldock had a rare barren night away to Southampton last Tuesday, although had to sacrifice his main striker's role when moved out wide, as injuries took their toll on the manager's original tactics.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, he said: "I am fit and ready to go. Obviously I don't select the team but I am hoping to get on the pitch."
The striker is keen, like his team-mates, to make amends for the setback at Southampton last week. "I don't think anyone can say that they individually performed to their best. It was a disappointing performance from all of us. It is one we are looking to learn from, put past us and improve on."
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Baldock scored two goals in the emphatic 4-0 defeat of Blackpool in his previous outing but was unable to continue his front-two partnership with John Carew for too long against the Saints after injury forced a reshuffle. Not that you will find the 23-year-old complaining.
"Unfortunately the manager did have to change it due to Matt's injury, I think I can adapt quite well and play in other positions. I will play anywhere for the team."
Wherever he lines up, Baldock knows he has to keep on performing for fans and team-mates alike. "A lot of them wouldn't have watched the Football League, They wouldn't know an awful lot about me. It is good to show them that I can score at this level and hopefully show that I can potentially score more as well."
He played against the Seagulls twice last season on their march to promotion, with Baldock winning one and losing one. He knows what to expect on Monday night.
"They are a good side, they play a good brand of football as well. The manager has got them playing well. They are on the back of a real high from last season. I played against them a couple of times. They are tough to beat and it will be a good test for us."
As ever, the away support will be key and the forward is relishing running out in front of the claret and blue army once again.
"The support will be tremendous, there is nothing like going away from home and hearing the away fans. They are unbelievable here. It is like nothing I've seen before, and like the home fans are the same to be fair. The atmosphere the West Ham fans can generate is special."
