Grant has a step by step approach to winning over fans

The Israeli was an unwelcome replacement for Jose Mourinho five weeks ago but four wins from six games since - the last three in succession - have moved him towards the black in the popularity stakes.

Another victory would put the club in a commanding position in Champions League group B and surely start the consolidation process.

It would also provide an interesting contrast to Chelsea's last European home game. Mourinho left after that embarrassing 1-1 draw with Rosenborg was played out in front of a sparse crowd last month.

Grant's second Stamford Bridge game since taking charge will be in front of a full house and a further success might let him daring to hope that the chants for his Portuguese predecessor could soon subside.

The reputation new coach Henk ten Cate has brought from his time at Barcelona has helped after a big win at Valencia and ending Chelsea's hoodoo at the Riverside last Saturday was welcomed.

Grant knows results are the key to how he is perceived and said: "It's not easy to start coaching in the middle of the season, but step by step we are doing the right things, from the back-room staff to games.

"Step by step we are going to play good football with good results.

"Any new manager or coach has to show the fans that he can improve something. It's easier after we won a few games but we don't want to stop. We had good performances in the last games, especially against Valencia."

Yet even if performances on the pitch do improve, there are other underlying issues still to be resolved.

Didier Drogba's outburst last week has ensured that what chief executive Peter Kenyon terms "creative tension" will continue to crackle at Stamford Bridge for some time yet and the Juventus delegation in London will not help matters.

They are here to discuss January transfer targets and have been linked with a move for the striker after he declared his desire to leave next summer.

Frank Lampard is concentrating on Chelsea but is no nearer to signing a new contract and is the other player with a question mark over his future.

The air of uncertainty is set to remain around Stamford Bridge, only to be be eased by the passage of time and collection of trophies.

Drogba's reception could be interesting tonight. He has not taken back his claim that something is "brokenî at Chelsea and with more than two-and-a-half years left on his contract may have to prove all over again that he is a hero.

Drogba said: "If you are not happy to be somewhere it is difficult to give 100 per cent.

"Now I'm giving 100 per cent because I feel good. I love the fans - I think they show me the respect I deserve and this is very important."