West Ham United boss Avram Grant is battling to lift the negativity from his squad.
The Guardian says Grant is struggling to arrest a negative thought process among his players.
Following the 1-0 Carling Cup victory over Oxford United nearly three weeks ago he revealed he had spoken to the squad about ending talk of last season's relegation struggle and to be more positive and look forward. Yet according to someone present the players again had to be reminded about the issue recently.
This inability to take on board instructions also manifested itself against Manchester United a fortnight ago during the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. Having instructed his defence to be careful not to foul Ryan Giggs, Grant watched as Jonathan Spector subsequently tripped the Welshman and gave away a penalty while West Ham were still level.
Whatever the result against Chelsea Grant will be desperate to take something from the next game, which is against Stoke City, before West Ham have to play Tottenham.