Big Sam's West Ham need a lift

London - West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is in desperate need of a lift ahead of his team's daunting meeting with the newly crowned Capital One Cup winners, Chelsea on Wednesday.

Allardyce has come under growing pressure following a heavy FA Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion and his position was further undermined by the weekend home loss to Crystal Palace.

That 3-1 defeat left the Hammers in ninth place and Allardyce admits their hopes of claiming a Europa League place are now fading.