Fulham defender Paul Konchesky hopes victory over his boyhood club West Ham this weekend can help kick-start the Cottagers’ survival bid.
Konchesky, 26, was born in Barking and played for the Hammers at their academy before joining Charlton.
Some eight years later, the full-back returned to Upton Park in July 2005 and went on to help West Ham in their successful battle against relegation last season – under his former Addicks boss Alan Curbishley.
Konchesky, who has two full England caps, moved on to Fulham in a £3.25million deal last summer and is now targeting three points for 19th-placed Fulham from his old team-mates.
“With us being at home, we have always got a chance. But we also need to win, probably a bit more than they need to,” said Konchesky.
“I think the players here know that and are up for a fight, whereas West Ham know they are not going to get relegated.
“I think they will be happy with a top-10 finish, so if they were to stay where they are that is fine for them – but we know we need to win and we will go out all guns blazing.”
Konchesky is confident Fulham have the ability to help themselves.
“At home, we can beat anyone and we have proved that by beating some good teams here – so there is no doubt we can get a result on Saturday,” he said.
“If the fans get behind us like they did against Villa then who knows what can happen? I hope we can get three points and our season can start then.”
Fulham beat Aston Villa in their last home game but missed the opportunity to build some momentum when they lost at Middlesbrough on February 9.
Konchesky knows the Cottagers need more of those battling performances if they are to stay up.
Speaking to the Fulham matchday programme, he said: “The manager has told us every game is a cup final – and we’ve got to treat every game like that.
“You forget what it feels like. But winning that game felt so good, so obviously we want to do more of that.”
