Herita Ilunga is confident West Ham United will enjoy a Barclays Premier League resurgence, starting with Sunday's visit of leaders Chelsea.
The DR Congo left-back told the official matchday programme how the Hammers can replicate last season's post-Christmas renaissance - which was preceded by a creditable 1-1 draw with the Blues at Stamford Bridge on 14 December last year.
Having gone into the festive season in 17th place, Gianfranco Zola's side took 32 points from their final 20 league matches last season to finish ninth, and the 27-year-old insists lightning can strike twice.
"That is what I hope we will do - I hope we can follow the example of last year. We were in a difficult situation then, just above the relegation places, but we managed to put together some very good results.
"We won away at Portsmouth and got a home victory against Stoke City, I remember it very well. I hope we can repeat that and we can do it because we've some very good players in this team."
To kick-start their campaign, Ilunga and his team-mates will have to shackle Carlo Ancelotti's table-toppers, who will be looking to stretch their advantage to six points following Manchester United's 3-0 defeat by Fulham on Saturday.
However, Chelsea have lost three times on their travels this season - at Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa and Manchester City - and failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five matches in all competitions.
As well as his hopes for victory over Chelsea, Ilunga also talks about his previous battles with Blues stars Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba in France's Ligue 1, his close relationship with the Hammers supporters, putting his recent injury problems behind him and next year's African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup.
Elsewhere in Sunday's matchday programme, fans can read about a special ceremony which will see the main gates at the Boleyn Ground re-named in honour of John Lyall, one of the finest manager's in the club's 114-year history.
Club chaplains Rev Elwin Cockett and Rev Alan Bolding give their Christmas message of goodwill, while 1966 FIFA World Cup winner Martin Peters gives his view on England's chances at next summer's tournament in South Africa.
Danny Gabbidon picks his Dream Team, Fabio Daprela is Talking Football, and Academy left-back Jordan Brown is Learning His Trade.
Belgian forward Francois van der Elst, who is back at the Boleyn Ground for Sunday's game, is the star of Where Are They Now?
With Gianfranco Zola's exclusive column and head chef Tim De'Ath revealing his recipe for a healthy and wholesome Christmas dinner, fans cannot afford to miss Sunday's edition.
The official matchday programme, priced at £3.50, will be available in and around the Boleyn Ground on Sunday. To order your copy online, click here.