Albion manager Mark McGhee today urged his players to dip into the memory bank as they fight for their Championship lives.
The Seagulls pulled off one of their best results of the season when they beat West Ham 1-0 at Upton Park in November.
Eight of the squad for that notable triumph are expected to be in the starting line-up against the play-off chasing Hammers at Withdean tomorrow.
McGhee said: "I think it must mean something, given the nature of that victory. We had to hang on a bit in the early part of the game to go on and win it.
"Who knows, it may be the same and, having done it once against them, we should remember that."
Only Preston have done the double over West Ham in the Championship this season.
McGhee and his assistant Bob Booker watched the Hammers prepare for tomorrow's showdown with a crucial 1-0 win at Stoke on Tuesday night, when former Albion idol Bobby Zamora came on to score the winner.
"It confirmed their strengths," McGhee said. "They have got a lot of good individual players and are in their rightful place, challenging for the play-offs.
"Etherington will carry the game to you, they have got Sheringham's craft and the power of Harewood. That is the strength of their team for me.
"Fletcher and Zamora coming off the bench are good players who would be in most Championship teams, so they have got strength in depth and the variety to change things.
"Equally, they have got inexperience at the back in the lad Ward and his partnership with Ferdinand.
"They are not experienced and strong throughout the team, so there are things we see which we think we can exploit."
McGhee has Leon Knight and Gary Hart available again after two-match bans, although only one of them is likely to start.
The best Mark McCammon can hope for is a place on the bench following his bust-up with the manager at half-time at Burnley last Saturday.
West Ham, unbeaten for seven games, add midfield prospect Mark Noble to their squad. He missed the Stoke match after jarring a knee in training on Monday.
Manager Alan Pardew, who guided Reading to a 1-0 win on his last visit to Withdean two seasons ago, does not regard Albion's desperation for a result as a disadvantage for his side.
"I've been there often enough to know what's required," said Pardew. "Yes, they are fighting to survive but sometimes that can work in your favour.
"Even if they get a lead, things tend to get a little nervy and that gives you a chance.
"The other option is to be playing teams such as Leeds or Wolves who have less left in the season for them and who can relax. Those sort of games can be very dangerous."
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