Alan Curbishley is expecting Newcastle United to feel the benefits of a settled side when they arrive at the Boleyn Ground looking for a third straight win in east London.
Kevin Keegan's men have enjoyed a resurgence of late but a home win on Saturday would ensure that United definitely finish above their north-east rivals this campaign as they would be eight points ahead with only two games to play. Having won 2-0 and 4-2 in the last two visits, it will not be easy. "It took Kevin and the players a little bit of time before it settled down up there," said the manager. "You can see what confidence can do. They have gone on a bit of a run.
"They have kept the same side for the last five or six weeks. They have been very settled and the place has started to buzz again a little bit. He will be looking forward to a decent run-in and looking forward to the summer. He has kept three forwards in there and Michael Owen has been playing in this deeper role. And it seems to be suiting everybody. In recent weeks they have been scoring some goals and perhaps the luck has turned around a bit for them."
Curbishley is looking to his team to put on a performance that builds on the 2-1 success against Derby County last Saturday, when some fans aired their frustration at the manner of the victory. He said: "We are second to none when we get going so we are going to turn it round and perform so that comes back to us. It is where we are at at the moment. Next season is next season and if we start well and get the players back ... then it could be a lot different."
The manager was well aware that Newcastle have similar strong backing from their supporters when things are going well. "We all know about Newcastle. If they start rolling on it becomes a bit of a juggernaut and everybody gets on board. I think in that respect, we are a little bit similar," he said, adding that the supporters were key to future success.
"We are all in this together. The West Ham fans carried us through last year. Once we started picking up some points - they carried on the momentum. We know that is there for us if we can produce that. Coming to Upton Park is always difficult for the away team, we have got to keep it like that. It was disappointing last Saturday but it is up to us to turn it around."