Hope springs eternal for Leeds coach Brian McDermott, whose side will be condemned to a relegation battle if they fail to beat Widnes at Headingley on Sunday.
The reigning champions will stay at the foot of the table even if they win, but a third successive victory would leave all four clubs in the bottom four on the same number of points going into the final three fixtures of the regular season, and within touching distance of eighth-placed Widnes.
Huddersfield and Salford have already kept their faint top-eight hopes alive with wins this weekend, while Hull KR took a crucial point from their clash with Warrington on Friday night.
Leeds can also dream of the great escape if they can avenge a 56-12 mauling by Widnes in February.
"The hope is still there," said McDermott. "Things need to go in our favour, we need to win our last four games.
"But we're ready for both options. We need to continue building momentum and finish off the season strong."
Leeds are boosted by the return of experienced forward Carl Ablett as well as young full-back Ashton Golding while second rower Brett Delaney could also return against the Vikings if he passes a late fitness test.
"Carl has been an unsung hero for our team for years now," said McDermott. "He's a linchpin for us and it's good to have him back."
Wakefield close on Super 8s
Wakefield have a chance to clinch their place in the top eight when they host St Helens in Sunday's other game at Belle Vue.
The top four still looks out of reach for Saints before the split but Cunningham is hoping they can stay in touch with the pacemakers going into the Super 8s.
"Our job is to keep on the heels of the top four," he said. "We need to keep on winning and picking up points.
"In the Super 8s everyone plays everyone and you don't know what will happen. We need to keep on building."
Saints are refreshed after a week off due to their early exit from the Challenge Cup and Cunningham is hoping his side can pick up from where they left in their last match a fortnight ago when they ended a four-matching losing run with a handsome victory over Hull KR.
"The players have had a short break and we have trained them hard," said Cunningham. "It will be a tough game but it always is up there.
"I like the environment there and how intimidating it is. A couple of the lads who played at Knowsley Road enjoy playing at Castleford and Wakefield, where the crowd is on top of you. There's a connection with the fans.
"Wakefield are a great attacking side and Chris Chester has done a good job. There is a feel good factor about the place and the players are going well for them."