West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola admits he has asked for divine intervention in his side's battle against relegation.

He takes his team to Everton today on their worst run for 43 years, just a week after he admitted he was prepared to resign if it would save the club from the drop and the dire financial consequences.

"Yes, I am religious in my own way," said Zola. "I pray all the time. For me, for my players, and for my family."