Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon says that the Black Cats will need to be at their best to beat the Hammers this weekend.
Alan Curbishley's side travel to Wearside on the back of a strong performance at Everton where United were the width of a post away from taking all three points for the second Saturday in succession, having beaten Blackburn the week before.Sunderland are currently four points above the relegation zone thanks to a surprise 1-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday. But they remain at least two wins away from safety and hope to extend their run againt the Irons this weekend - although the £9million summer signing says that it will be a tough game despite the Hammers being in, as Alan Curbishley referred to it recently, 'no mans land'.
"I'm not sure these teams will think they have nothing to play for," he said. "This is the Premier League and everyone wants to win every game.
"They'll have their own reason for wanting to win the games and we'll have ours. It's up to us to perform and be as committed and determined as we were at Villa on Saturday to get the three points."
Meanwhile Sunderland's Niall Quinn has urged their fan to get behind Roy Keane's side this weekend.
"Every point is vital now and we need the fans more than ever," he told the club's website.
"We've got a decent home record and the fans have played a huge part. Its great to see them turning out in such big numbers and its sure to give them a boost against West Ham."
The Hammers could welcome Matthew Upson - who withdrew from the England squad at the weekend - back to squad for the trip. However Freddie Sears is a doubt after being pulled out of the England under 19 squad to face Russia tomorrow night.
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