Sweat and tears provided the catalyst for West Ham's unprecedented comeback at West Brom, and the Hammers must sustain that Olympian effort in their quest for survival.
The pressure to remain in the top flight is intensified by their proposed move to Stratford after the 2012 London Games. It looked as if West Ham would fold under the strain when they trailed 3-0 at fellow strugglers West Brom, but a heartfelt half-time rallying cry by captain Scott Parker inspired the team to claw back the deficit and move off the foot of the table.
While Parker could yet prove to be West Ham's miracle worker, Liverpool have most certainly found their own. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches under Kenny Dalglish, and European qualification is now an achievable prospect.
Nonetheless, Liverpool still have to play four of the sides above them. It's a tough-looking run of games for West Ham too - five of their next eight league fixtures are against teams currently in the top six.
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 27 February Kick-off: 1330 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live, local radio and Absolute Radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles.
Thomas Hitzlsperger will make his first league appearance for West Ham, having scored on his debut in Monday's FA Cup win over Burnley.
Matthew Upson (Achilles) is unlikely to feature, and Victor Obinna might miss out with a foot problem.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has played down suggestions that Andy Carroll will be fit to make his debut.
Steven Gerrard could return from a groin injury, but Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly are doubts.
West Ham
Doubtful: Obinna (foot)
Injured: Collison & Kurucz (both knee), Dyer (thigh), Keane (calf), Stanislas (hernia), Upson (Achilles)
Liverpool
Doubtful: Agger (unknown), Carroll (thigh), Gerrard (groin), Johnson (Achilles), Kelly (groin/thigh)
Injured: Aurelio (thigh), Shelvey (knee)
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