Though the pull of these two clubs remains, more than 30,000 fans are expected to turn up at Upton Park tonight despite the fact that the match is live on TV, the after-shock of relegation has been a painful experience for both sides.
"We are two big clubs," Pardew said today, "who were both banking on going on to the next level in the Premiership rather than, in the case of a club such as Leicester, adopting a more cautious approach.
"When relegation came to West Ham and Leeds though, the effects were more profound and that has caused a lot of negativity."
Pardew has experienced some of the backlash himself, with fans callingfor his head this season, but two successive victories and a largely fit squad have encouraged feelings of optimism in East London.
West Ham, who have signed young Spurs goalkeeper Robert Birch on a month's loan as cover for Jimmy Walker who is recovering from a groin operation, have Nigel Reo-Coker and Hayden Mullins back from suspension.
Meanwhile, Rick Parry has insisted that Steven Gerrard is going nowhere and believes Rafael Benitez is the key to keeping him on Merseyside.
Liverpool's chief executive also ruled out the prospect of a pack of clubs, headed by Chelsea, luring the Anfield skipper in the New Year in a £30million deal.
Although Gerrard has admitted this week that he will be forced to consider his future if Liverpool do not show significant improvement, Parry is confident the 24-year-old will stay put.
"There is no chance of Stevie going in January," Parry said. "That just won't happen. Our intention is that we will never let him go, ever - and I mean ever. Of course he is ambitious but so are we. We firmly believe that if we can satisfy his ambition he will remain a Liverpool player."
Parry backed manager Benitez to be a major influence in keeping Gerrard.
" Stevie's ambition and hunger for success is exactly the same as mine and Rafa's. The manager has a track record that no one in Europe can better over the last three years."
The Ryman Premier club's 3,500-capacity ground, The Warren, does not meet guidelines on segregating fans and the FA have ruled out a switch to St James' Park.
The game must now be played at the nearest suitable ground, subject to approval. An announcement is expected early next week.
