West Ham’s players finally showed some fighting spirit to get a draw against in-form Everton last weekend and more of the same is definitely needed in the coming weeks.

After six defeats in a row it was clear confidence was at a low, but fans must have taken some encouragement from the battling qualities Gianfranco Zola’s men showed at Goodison Park.

However, despite this much-needed draw, the Hammers are only one point above the relegation places and need to ensure they clock up more good results in the next few games.

Zola’s side face Sunderland at Upton Park this weekend and will face a tough battle against a side who have picked up their form in recent weeks to pull away from the drop zone, and after that it gets no easier when they travel to Anfield.

The crunch game could come on April 24th when the Hammers square off at home against fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic and this could really be a tie when the team spirit which the manager and players have spoken of needs to come to the fore.

That Wigan clash is the easiest out of the run-in and even the players have admitted it is a difficult challenge in the coming games, especially the Liverpool tie which Hammers midfielder Mark Noble has said will be a guaranteed “tough game”.

Points are desperately needed if West Ham are to avoid relegation from the Premier League and the players are going to have to roll their sleeves up and show they are worth the big money they are earning. The betting odds suggest the Hammers should stay up, but it will be tight.

Elsewhere this weekend there is a real relegation six-pointer when Hull taking on Burnley. With the Tigers only one point behind the Hammers a draw could be seen as the best result for West Ham so they don’t find themselves in the drop zone come Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Matthew Upson will be looking to impress Fabio Capello in the coming weeks.

The World Cup betting odds make England third favourites to win the competition and Upson will be keen to play some part in South Africa.