West Ham boss Alan Curbishley insists his current squad - injury free - is capable of cracking the top six.
"All the players missing are the pacey players and the offensive players, players who can unlock a team at home and be more dangerous away from home on the break," said Curbishley.
"We saw it a couple of times, in the game against Reading when we looked dangerous, but we weren't in that position again.
"Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington have also been out for a long time, and our leading goalscorers from midfield.
"I know when I do get them all in an XI that we are a quick, offensive side and if we get everyone fit we are in a position to push on. We have a squad that is strong enough."