West Ham United face a trip to Barnsley tomorrow knowing they need to win to keep their fading automatic promotion hopes alive.

The Hammers suffered a major setback last weekend after losing 4-2 at home to rivals Reading.

West Ham's defeat left them four points behind the second-placed Royals with only six games remaining.

Manager Sam Allardyce believes his side need to win their remaining matches if they want to finish in the top two.

West Ham can at least boast an eviable away record this season and they will set a record for 12 wins on the road if they can take the three points.

Ricardo Vaz Te has impressed since joining from Barnsley and it would be no surprise if he got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win.