With the final international break of the season over, our writers are assessing what lies ahead for their clubs between now and the end of the campaign.
Crystal Palace are enjoying a wonderful first season under Patrick Vieira and have a trip to Wembley to look forward to.
Could FA Cup glory await?
What shape is the squad in after the international break?
Crystal Palace may be buoyant after their recent run but Patrick Vieira has a couple of injury issues to deal with as they gear up for the run-in.
Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha have returned from international duty with concerns and are both still being assessed by the Palace medical staff. In better news, James McArthur and the rarely-sighted Nathan Ferguson are training once more.
What is the club aiming for from the rest of the season?
Everything now is going into the FA Cup. Palace would love a top ten finish in the Premier League but all eyes are on that semi-final date against London rivals Chelsea. Should Palace make it to a second final during the Steve Parish era many fans would take any old mid-table finish in the League.
And the minimum requirement?
If the FA Cup dream is not to be realised, Palace fans will simply want to see their progress under Vieira continue. There is no danger of relegation at Selhurst Park but supporters won’t want to see their side ease off as they look to continue growing under the Frenchman. The high-energy and entertaining football needs to stay until the final day.
What are the factors that will settle the campaign?
Upsets - Crystal Palace are quite capable of them but will need two more huge ones if they are to succeed in the FA Cup. First up are European champions Chelsea, who they have lost their last nine games against, and then either Manchester City or Liverpool.
What’s the mood in the camp?
Jubilant. After holding Manchester City to a 0-0 draw before booking their place in the last four of the Cup with a rampant win over Everton, Palace were then able to celebrate three of their players all being called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. There is quite the feel-good factor around south London at the moment.
Who’s got something to prove?
Eberechi Eze has struggled for chances since making his return from a long-term injury before Christmas. The form of Michael Olise, Conor Gallagher and Wilfried Zaha has made it hard for the former QPR man to break in.
Eze impressed when given a chance against Everton in the Cup and will hope for a few more before the campaign is out. The talent is there, but we’re yet to really see it again under Vieira.
Remaining fixtures
- Arsenal (H)
- Leicester City (A)
- Chelsea (N, FA Cup)
- Newcastle (A)
- Leeds United (H)
- Southampton (A)
- Watford (H)
- Aston Villa (A)
- Manchester United (H)
- Everton (A, needs to be re-arranged)
Prediction: 11th
