WEST Ham's 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa kept Wanderers three points ahead of Glenn Roeder's Hammers going into Saturday's Reebok head-to-head - a factor Allardyce believes will give them the psychological edge in a game vital to both team's future fortunes.

Reviving happy memories of the victory over Ipswich in identical circumstances a year ago, he suggested: "Like I said when Ipswich came here, if we're nervous, just think what they are feeling!

"They are playing away from home, coming to the Reebok Stadium. If they lose they will be a massive six points behind us with only four games to play.

"When it comes to that scenario we can virtually bury their hopes. If we can get to 38 points on Saturday, that will be absolutely crucial as far as we are concerned.

"But it will be difficult and, if we can't do that, we must make sure we don't lose it so we can keep the three-point gap."