Lucas Neill believes West Ham will have a significant effect part to play in the Premiership title race and the quest for UEFA Cup places despite their own battle against relegation.
The Hammers are five points adrift of safety after a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United at the weekend and now have to play second-placed Chelsea at home on Wednesday,
UEFA Cup hopefuls Everton and Bolton both have to visit Upton Park, while fellow strugglers Wigan and Premiership leaders Manchester United are West Ham's two remaining away matches.
And while West Ham's aim is to survive, Neill is well aware their performances could make or break other clubs' seasons.
"Obviously we are very disappointed by the result [at Bramall Lane]. We had an opportunity to go above Sheffield United and make things a little more comfortable on the run-in," said the Australia defender.
"But as it stands, I believe we still need three wins, and we've got five games in which to do it.
"Three of the matches are at home and are all winnable in my opinion. Then we have a very important away match at Wigan before a trip to Old Trafford on the final day of the season.
The £1.5million signing from Blackburn told the club's website www.whufc.com: "There is still so much to play for and it is important that we don't lose heart.
"We have to bounce back immediately and react quickly. And it is great to have a home game against Chelsea because it is a chance to lift ourselves again.
"We have to realise there are still 15 points to play for and we have to fight for every single one of them. We can still end up smiling at the end of the season."
Three wins in a row, including a shock triumph at Arsenal, had lifted hopes West Ham could avoid the drop.
But manager Alan Curbishley, whose first game in charge in December brought a surprise 1-0 win over Manchester United, admitted: "It just seems that when we play the teams in a similar position to ourselves we haven't done enough against them.
"But I hope my players don't think it is all over. If we keep belief in ourselves it isn't."
Neill added: "Sheffield United have still got to play the teams around us and maybe we need them to kick on now, and get themselves clear of it by beating those sides.
"Charlton, Wigan and Fulham are still all very much in it and I don't see them picking up too many points from their last four or five games.
"So it is important we make the most of our home games and believe we can do it.
"I hope the atmosphere will be bubbling against Chelsea. Naturally you raise your game against teams like that, and I expect there will be lots of passion and commitment.
"As long as we control our aggression, we can get something from the game. We have beaten Arsenal away. Who says we can't beat Chelsea at home?"
UEFA Cup hopefuls Everton and Bolton both have to visit Upton Park, while fellow strugglers Wigan and Premiership leaders Manchester United are West Ham's two remaining away matches.
And while West Ham's aim is to survive, Neill is well aware their performances could make or break other clubs' seasons.
"Obviously we are very disappointed by the result [at Bramall Lane]. We had an opportunity to go above Sheffield United and make things a little more comfortable on the run-in," said the Australia defender.
"But as it stands, I believe we still need three wins, and we've got five games in which to do it.
"Three of the matches are at home and are all winnable in my opinion. Then we have a very important away match at Wigan before a trip to Old Trafford on the final day of the season.
The £1.5million signing from Blackburn told the club's website www.whufc.com: "There is still so much to play for and it is important that we don't lose heart.
"We have to bounce back immediately and react quickly. And it is great to have a home game against Chelsea because it is a chance to lift ourselves again.
"We have to realise there are still 15 points to play for and we have to fight for every single one of them. We can still end up smiling at the end of the season."
Three wins in a row, including a shock triumph at Arsenal, had lifted hopes West Ham could avoid the drop.
But manager Alan Curbishley, whose first game in charge in December brought a surprise 1-0 win over Manchester United, admitted: "It just seems that when we play the teams in a similar position to ourselves we haven't done enough against them.
"But I hope my players don't think it is all over. If we keep belief in ourselves it isn't."
Neill added: "Sheffield United have still got to play the teams around us and maybe we need them to kick on now, and get themselves clear of it by beating those sides.
"Charlton, Wigan and Fulham are still all very much in it and I don't see them picking up too many points from their last four or five games.
"So it is important we make the most of our home games and believe we can do it.
"I hope the atmosphere will be bubbling against Chelsea. Naturally you raise your game against teams like that, and I expect there will be lots of passion and commitment.
"As long as we control our aggression, we can get something from the game. We have beaten Arsenal away. Who says we can't beat Chelsea at home?"
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Gallery: West Ham's 2017-18 away kit unveiled
Ange: Still a place for Lucas in Brazil
