Play it again, Sam tells West Ham after Brighton win

Third-placed West Ham, who are three points behind Southampton in the Championship table, need second-placed Saints to slip up if they are to claim one of two automatic promotion spots back to the Premier League.

Allardyce's men were in scintillating form as they dispatched Brighton 6-0 on their own patch on Saturday.

However the outspoken manager said afterwards that his side's away form, which has been excellent this campaign, will be the real key if they are to overhaul Southampton with three league games to play.

West Ham, who set a club record of 12 away wins in a season when they thrashed Barnsley 4-0 at Oakwell on April 6, follow-up tonight's away trip to Ashton Gate by playing at Leicester next week.

The former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn boss is also wary of missing out on promotion this season, especially as it will mean starting anew in the Championship next campaign against three sides whose pockets may be heavier than theirs after stints in the top flight.

"The odds are against us going straight back up, but there are consequences if we don't, because of the financial redress," Allardyce said. "There will be three teams coming down (from the Premier League) and they will have more financial clout than us, although they will have to address the situation the way we have. So it is vitally important we try to get back this season."

Southampton travel to Peterborough, while first-placed Reading host Nottingham Forest.

The Royals are already assured of a play-off spot at the very least, but they will be promoted automatically if they better West Ham's result this evening.

Nonetheless Reading boss Brian McDermott will not be listening out for news from other games.

"There's nothing we can do about any other game," he said. "We have to completely concentrate on us and getting a performance. It's all we can affect.