Chris Powell believes a run in The FA Cup could galvanise Charlton Athletic rather than hamper their league survival hopes.
Only a superior goal difference is currently keeping the Addicks out of the relegation zone in the Championship.
And the Londoners head to Oxford United for Tuesday night's Third Round replay with just one win from their last nine league matches, so Powell is hoping Cup fever can help his team.
Oxford Utd v Charlton Athletic
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper
7.45pm, Tuesday 21 January
Kassam Stadium
Winners receive £67,500
"We know our FA Cup record isn't the best in recent years,” admitted Powell, after seeing his side come back from two goals down to seal a 2-2 draw in the first tie at the Valley last week.
"But I'm desperate for us to go on a run as I think that could galvanise everyone.
"Winning games is a habit, a good habit, and it would give us a lift.''
The Addicks head to Oxford on the back of an unfortunate 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough in the Championship at the weekend.
Charlton had a goal controversially disallowed and had defender Rhoys Wiggins sent off and Powell feels his team just need a change of luck.
See the goals from the first tie at the Valley.
"We grew into the game, and things just aren't going for us," he said in an interview with the Charlton website.
"We’ve got to give ourselves a fighting chance in each and every game.
"Things are going against us at the moment so we've just got to keep fighting.
"The disallowed goal was a definite one for me and the Rhoys Wiggins sending-off was a harsh decision and not deserving of a straight red."
