Trinity can clinch a top-four finish in Betfred Super League when they host Saints in the last match of the regular season on Sunday.
Salford Red Devils' late-season collapse, culminating in a 25-0 defeat to Leigh Centurions on Friday night, means Wakefield can afford to lose by up to 14 points and still finish in the top four, which would guarantee them four home games in the Super 8s and improve their prospects of reaching a maiden Grand Final.
Kear said: "Obviously we want to be in the top four and the great thing is it's in our hands.
"That's the fortunate position this playing group has put us in.
"We will be up against a team equally as desperate to win as we are - if they win they are within one point of us and if they lose they are five points away from us, so massive game for both teams."
Chris Chester has named his 19-man squad to take on @Saints1890 on Sunday, kick-off 3pm https://t.co/o732qIvVfE pic.twitter.com/HnPddSUYHh
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) July 21, 2017
Sixth-placed St Helens have won on their last four visits to Wakefield but have secured only one away win this year in Super League and suffered a 16-12 home defeat by Trinity in March.
Saints coach Justin Holbrook said: "It was important we won the last two and now we are in a position to make some inroads. We have to continue doing that and we have to play well on Sunday.
"Wakefield are a tough team to face on their home ground. They have a big pack that offloads, fast wingers and two smart half-backs. There is a reason why they are sitting where they are.
"We will have to play well to come away with the win."
As you were for the squad... pic.twitter.com/tWmfYhUbB2
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) July 21, 2017
St Helens have former Trinity prop Kyle Amor back from injury, while Wakefield will give a debut to former Salford front rower James Hasson and expect to have skipper Danny Kirmond back from a two-month injury absence.
"It's like having another new player," Kear said. "We've been able to freshen up the squad."
Wakefield centre Reece Lyne is also back from a two-match ban and will make his 100th Super League appearance.
