Danny Higginbotham’s late, late goal on Saturday had Eagles fans muttering ‘typical Palace’ into their pints for the rest of the weekend.
The draw at Selhurst means, of course, that Premiership survival is no longer in our own hands. However, victory at Charlton on the last day of the season would put serious pressure on Southampton and Norwich above us.
Here’s the lowdown on our options for this coming Sunday…
Where we are now…
We’re currently on 32 points. If we win, we go onto 35 points
Norwich are currently one point ahead of us. If they win on Sunday, they’ll be on 36 points and it’s all over. Nothing we do at the Valley will help us in this scenario.
Southampton are exactly level with us on points, but are one better on goal difference. However, their goals scored column is five better than ours – so the gap in goal difference is effectively two.
West Brom remain a point behind us. If we win on Sunday, they cannot catch us.
What we need to happen…
a) Assuming a Palace win at Charlton:
Norwich must lose or draw.
Southampton must also lose, draw – or even win – so long as it’s by two goals less than us. For instance, if they won 1-0 we would need to win by at least three clear goals.
West Brom’s result would be irrelevant.
b) Assuming a Palace draw at Charlton…
Norwich have to lose their match.
Southampton have to lose their match.
West Brom have to lose or draw their match.
c) Assuming a Palace defeat at Charlton
None of the other results will matter. Defeat at the Valley would guarantee our relegation.
Sunday’s big games
Charlton vs Palace
Fulham vs Norwich (Sky Sports 1)
Southampton vs Manchester United (Sky Sports Xtra)
West Brom vs Portsmouth