The term ‘six-pointer’ could have been invented for tomorrow’s game against the Saints.
Both teams run out for kick-off knowing a win could boost them into mid-table obscurity – while defeat could send them to the very foot of the Premiership.
Dowie will surely believe it’s a winnable game, but despite Southampton’s disastrous start to the season they’re no mugs at home.
The Saints are unbeaten in their last five matches at St. Mary’s, and their recent win over Pompey showed signs of the fighting spirit they’ll need to beat the drop.
Team-wise, Iain Dowie has no new injury problems ahead of the clash, though Aki Riihilahti is still struggling with a persistent Achilles problem.
Meanwhile, the Inter Milan twosome Nicola Ventola and Gonzalo Sorondo are both still on the sidelines with injuries and are expected to be some weeks from returning to the team.
James Beattie is fully established back in the Saints side after injury – though their influential keeper Antti Niemi is still out, with his place going to Kasey ‘can’t hold an overhead kick from Bruce Dyer’ Keller.
Kevin Phillips will probably start up front with Beattie – although Southampton also have teen sensation Dexter Blackstock to call upon.
Probable Palace XI:
Kiraly
Boyce Hall Popovic Granville
Routledge Watson Riihilahti Hughes Kolkka
Johnson