The Hammers' survival credentials will be given a tough test on Saturday when they take on title chasers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Should Zola's side be condemned to their fourth straight defeat, they could find themselves out of the drop zone only on goal difference. After Saturday's match Zola takes his side to fellow strugglers Wolves on Tuesday before visiting Stoke next Saturday. With tough games against Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City on the horizon, the Italian is all too aware of how important the next seven days will be in securing his side's top-flight status. "The next few days will be very important for us," the West Ham boss said. "We have massive games coming up. Tomorrow is a derby. It will be a difficult game and we will give our best because tomorrow's game will also be important for Tuesday and Saturday. "It will be a massive week." While Zola will have been encouraged by a resilient performance against Chelsea, his side will have to be at their best to stifle an Arsenal side boosted by the return of influential skipper Cesc Fabregas. The Hammers held their own for an hour against Chelsea but slack defending allowed Florent Malouda to set the Blues on their way to an eventual 4-1 victory. The 43-year-old, who is in his first full season in charge at Upton Park, says West Ham cannot afford to give away any cheap goals in north London. "I personally learned a lot and the players worked hard and kept themselves in the game until we made a mistake and they punished us for that," Zola said. "When you play games against teams like Arsenal and Chelsea you can't afford to lose concentration. It has to be 100% for 90 minutes or else they will take advantage of any mistakes." Alex Song could line up alongside Fabregas in midfield for Arsene Wenger's side, who will move to the top of the table if they win. Many had written the Gunners' title hopes off after they lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea in November but Wenger's side put themselves back in the title race by going on a 10-match unbeaten run. Zola believes his former side Chelsea are still favourites to win the league though. "I think that they are still the favourites for the title, especially now that they are out of the Champions League. That will be a big advantage," said Zola. Carlton Cole will return to Zola's starting line-up after being rested last week but the Italian will have to do without Scott Parker, who has picked up a leg injury. Zola admits adding Parker to an ever-growing injury list is a big blow but is confident his side can reproduce the kind of performance which saw them earn a creditable draw at the Emirates last year. "Obviously on paper you can see that Arsenal are flying now," said the former Chelsea striker. "They are playing against a West Ham side that hasn't been playing very well and our away form is not the best but football is football and sometimes it can be tricky. "Last year we did very well and got a good point for us and we have a chance. I want to play this game."
