Zola sets points target

Hammers boss eyes Chelsea win

By Carla Hilton   Last updated: 12th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Zola sets points target

Zola: Chelsea challenge

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Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham will ensure survival in the Premier League should they take 10 points from their remaining games.

The Hammers were disappointing in defeat to fellow strugglers Bolton at Upton Park last week and are now readying themselves for a double whammy against Chelsea and Arsenal in their next two fixtures.

They are far from expected to win those games, but Zola believes they are more than capable of putting up a fight against the title chasers.

With his side only three points above the drop zone, the former Chelsea star knows that those up-coming games will be a real test for his side.

He is confident the Hammers will pull through, though, and has set his string a target of 37-points by the end of the season.

Target

"Personally, I think 37 should make it for us," said Zola, who has put it to his players to win 10 points from their remaining fixtures.

"Some people are saying less, but I want to be sure that 37 will be a good target for us."

Zola returns to his old stomping ground on Saturday hopeful of upsetting the applecart against Chelsea who have suffered defeat on only one occasion at Stamford Bridge this season.

Hoping to replicate the success of Manchester City just two weeks ago, Zola added: "It will be fantastic for me to win at Stamford Bridge.

"The situation is that we need those points. For me and my team, I think it will be a big boost forward.

"I think we have enough quality here to do it. But we have to improve our consistency."

Emotional

The Hammers boss enjoyed a fruitful playing career at Chelsea between 1996 and 2003 and he admits it is always emotional for him going back to Stamford Bridge.

"I have a lot of people at Chelsea who are special to me. I always care and treat them with respect," he said.

"It's a place where there are lots of memories for me. Every time I go back, it's a pleasure.

"But my commitment to West Ham is massive and total."