Mark Noble cannot wait for the visit of Liverpool on Wednesday night - describing the match as a "massive game" for all concerned.
Though hugely disappointed to be knocked out of the FA Cup, the free weekend will have given the players a chance to recharge their batteries. "We have a bit of a rest and then a big game against Liverpool," said the 20-year-old midfielder. "We are concentrating on that. They are always going to be strong, they are always going to be tough and hard to play against."
Only the traditional big four clubs, including Liverpool, have a better defensive record in the top-flight season and Noble believes the club can take extra impetus from a recent resurgence at home. The last two league fixtures at the Boleyn Ground have seen the club come from behind to win 2-1 against Manchester United and Fulham.
Mindful that Alan Curbishley is keen to get his players looking up from their tenth-place position, Noble added: "We have got to just play how we have been. Our home form has been getting better lately. If we can nick the three points that will firmly put us in contention."
While the players will need no extra motivation to show they are capable of competing for the European places, Noble also knows the fans will do their bit for the cause. "The night games are always a bit special because the fans will have been in the pub all day! They will all be up for it and I am sure we will be too. We need to get a result."
The Hammers youngster will have to tread carefully though as he and Luis Boa Morte have joined George McCartney on four cautions for the season after yellow cards in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City. All three players face the threat of a one-match suspension if they pick up a fifth caution of the campaign before the last day of February.
Noble's latest yellow card came when he complained to the referee about the City defenders not retreating the full ten yards at a free-kick and proceeded to measure it out himself. "I just felt they were too close and wanted to prove it," he said with a wry smile.
It is goals, not cards, that Noble is after collecting now after going close at the City of Manchester Stadium - with Liverpool the next in his sights. "I am just gutted I didn't score because I had a couple of chances and another day they could have gone in. I will just keep playing the way I am and working hard."