Inside Track: Crystal Palace

How would you sum up Palace’s season so far?

Very mixed. They’ve had good results mixed in with some very poor results from games you’d expect them to do well in, so it’s been a little bit underwhelming. After the way they ended last season, fans were expecting them to push on and aim for the top ten, which is still possible. In fairness to them, they have picked up big results like the one at Man City, which shows they are capable on their day.

palace have the ability to hurt any team and their away form has been even better than their home form.

robert warlow
football london reporter

Has that been the main frustration, performing well against the top teams but struggling against those around them in the table?

The home form hasn’t been great and they’ve been struggling for goals. They’ve lost or drawn at home to teams around them in the league, but proved against Man City and Liverpool away from home, and Tottenham at home on Sunday, that they can mix it with the big boys. It’s just a case of trying to get a bit more consistency against teams outside the top-six. 

How reliant is the team on Wilfried Zaha these days?

There’s no doubt he’s one of those who can turn a game on its head in one moment. This year, I would say others have started to step up around him. Andros Townsend has scored a few goals, Luka Milivojević always chips in from penalties and set-pieces, but has scored a couple from long range as well, so they have got goals in the side, it’s just about getting a bit more out of a few more players.

Zaha hasn’t scored since September, so they haven’t been as reliant on him in recent months, but he’s still an important player and one of the first names on the teamsheet.

How do you see Wednesday's game?

It’s difficult to predict. Saints have obviously improved of late under Ralph Hasenhüttl. I think it’s going to be a tight game – both teams separated by goal difference suggests that – but I think Palace have got the ability to hurt any team in the Premier League.

Their away form has been better than their home form for that reason – they can soak up pressure and catch teams on the break with the pace and skill they’ve got. I think it will be close – perhaps one goal either way might decide it.