Avram Grant wants his cup pedigree to inspire West Ham tonight, when they attempt to reach the Carling Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Stoke.
Grant took Portsmouth to last season's FA Cup Final and was also in charge at Chelsea when they reached the Champions League Final in 2008.
"I know how much a good cup run can affect the team," said Grant.
"It happened in the last round for us when we played so well at Sunderland in the Carling Cup and then went on to beat Tottenham a few days later."
Grant is certain to make changes tonight, at least two forced by injuries to Frederic Piquionne and Matthew Upson, both of whom went off during the 2-1 defeat by Newcastle.
"Neither player will feature tonight," said Grant. "But I am hoping that they will soon be fit to come back in.
"Matthew has a slight hamstring problem while Piquionne has had a scan but I think it is a minor problem.We have made changes in the cup ties up to now and we will do so again."
Grant admits Saturday's defeat was a disappointment but remains upbeat about the future. "The difference between winning and losing can be small things but we have two months until Christmas and I am sure we will overcome the disappointment of Saturday and pick up enough points," he said.
"We have talked since the match and I am always communicating with the players.
"They were emotional straight after the game but I sense a determination to put things right."
Young Czech Republic goalkeeper Marek Stech, who impressed when deputising for Robert Green against Oxford United and Sunderland in
the previous rounds of the Carling Cup, looks likely to play tonight.
The 20-year-old paid tribute to the part former West Ham goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko has played in his developing career.
"Ludo played a massive part in my coming to West Ham," said Stech. "He was like a second dad to me. I still speak with him, although he's back in the Czech Republic now."
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"It will be a much harder game tonight. Everyone knows how they play. I don't know if I will be picked but if the manager gives me a chance, I hope I can prove myself to him."
