West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola admits their clash with Portsmouth is the biggest of his short managerial career.

Zola is aware a change of ownership in the short term could mean more funds with which to strengthen his paper-thin squad in the January transfer window.

But he said: "There are things which are out of my control.

"If we play well it might determine what will happen in January but, whatever the situation, I will continue to do my best for this club.

"The match against Portsmouth is a massive one. I will face it with all my enthusiasm and passion and hopefully that will be enough.

"I am looking forward to this game. There has been a good atmosphere around the squad and the display against Chelsea gave us all a big lift."