Crystal Palace’s two-week break probably came at a good time as the side were coming off back-to-back defeats against Sunderland and Stoke City, but it’s back to work on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Middlesbrough to Selhurst Park.
A win for Palace would see them join Boro on 22 points and would see the Eagles leapfrog Leicester City, who don’t play until Monday night and they could find themselves out of the relegation zone if they win and Hull fail to beat Burnley at home.
Despite their recent FA Cup triumphs, Boro are on a terrible run in the league and their visit provides Palace with an excellent opportunity to get three vital points on the board whilst simultaneously dragging the North East club firmly into a relegation battle.
Captain Scott Dann is a doubt for the game with a hamstring problem, whilst Bakery Sako and Steve Mandanda are also expected to miss out.
Here is the predicted XI that I think Sam Allardyce will select for the game:
