Just four days after their 1-0 FA Cup exit, West Ham again come face to face with Manchester City at Eastlands.The east London side will be looking for revenge, but also to keep pace with their rivals in the race for a European spot.
"We were bitterly disappointed to be knocked out of the FA Cup by a team unbeaten at home in the league," said Hammers captain Lucas Neill ahead of Sunday's game.
Imperative
"It is imperative we do not lose this weekend. A win will see us close the gap on fourth place and keep tabs on the group of teams just ahead of us and of course keep us in the hunt for a European spot.
"We go into the game with a lot of confidence from the FA Cup performance and an attitude that seeks revenge."
Wasteful And Punished
West Ham had the better of much of Wednesday's encounter, but failed to take their chances and were punished when Elano's stooping header put City in front. "It was a harsh lesson and it shows the need for us to score when we have dominant periods in a game," Lucas told West Ham's official website. "We need to get that ruthless streak in us."
Curbishley: Aim Higher
Manager Alan Curbishley has also instructed his players to make better use of the opportunities they create. "What I have said to the side, certainty the offensive players, is 'give us something a bit more, let's take our chances and be more clinical'," said the former Charlton man.
"We can all see where we can get to. We feel we have given ourselves a base, a bit of a chance to push on. We are looking to get into that top six or seven. If we can get a result at Manchester City we can see them as well. I am looking at the fixtures thinking 'let's attack the run-in'. We have to be looking upwards not downwards."
Chris Williams
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