Hughes aiming to fan flames
the ground. Against Burnley that had a detrimental effect on the team and it is within our ability to do that.
“I think it’s really important that we try and affect the confidence of their group.
“We have to be positive and try and get on the scoresheet first.
“We have to try and affect the confidence of their group and there seems to be a little bit of anxiety surrounding the club at the moment.
“Anxiety plays a bigger part when you are at the wrong end of the table.
“That can sap the confidence of you as a player or a group.
“This stadium is very different to Upton Park, which was one of my favourite grounds.
“The crowd were right on top of you and were not afraid to tell you what they thought of you.
Damage
“There seems to be a negativity and it clearly affected them in the last game, going by what some of their players have said.
“It’s a key game for both sides.
“You can damage their prospects and enhance your own.
“That’s our intention and we have to go into the game with a positive mindset.” POLICE will mount a high-profile security operation with increased numbers inside and outside the stadium.
There are at least two more protests planned by fans groups against the board and police have confirmed that they will have additional numbers at the ground to prevent trouble.
A police spokesman said: “We will be providing a reassuring visible presence.
“We want to reassure those attending the match and to facilitate peaceful protests.”