Gianfranco Zola feels is it absolutely imperative West Ham beat
Portsmouth on Boxing Day to boost their Premier League survival
chances.
The game at Upton Park pitches together the two bottom sides
in the league and Zola cannot deny the importance of getting all
three points.
He said: "We need to get a result and it has to be three
points because they are close to us.
"It is a six-pointer and will be a big occasion to put some
distance between us and them.
"I don't know what presents I'll be getting this year, it
will be a surprise. But I would like three points on Saturday."
Portsmouth, now under the guidance of Avram Grant, head into
the game buoyed by their 2-0 victory over Liverpool while West Ham
were frustrated not to earn more than a point from a 1-1 draw with
Chelsea. Zola demanded West Ham reach the same performance levels
for the rest of the season.
"Portsmouth have been playing well recently. They seem to
have found their way but we have found our way as well," said Zola.
"There's a very, very good atmosphere right now and I think
the Chelsea game has lifted everybody up. It is important as it is
essential when you play football that you have that kind of
atmosphere.
"Tactics are important in football but if they are not
supported by the passion and desire the players showed the other
day then you are always short.
"I am trying to keep the spirit alive and the positivity
which is very important and I think it is working.
"The team I saw the other day didn't look like a bottom three
team. That performance has become our standard and it is up to us
to keep that up.
"For me it was very encouraging the passion that the players
showed in the game so it means that we are creating something and
they want to work on that."
Following the Christmas party episode at Tottenham, Zola has
no concerns about his squad giving in to the traditional Christmas
day temptations.
"I have very good professionals, you can't even imagine how
much they care about what we are doing so I have no doubt they will
be very very professional,"
he said. The Hammers are without Danny Gabbidon, who has a
hamstring strain, but midfielder Valon Behrami could be involved
after recovering from a knee injury.
