Forget recent form…Big Sam’s Crystal Palace revival starts now

There’s no getting away from the fact it’s been a difficult period at Selhurst Park, with Palace taking just five points from their past six games. But there’s actually plenty of reason to think they’ll bounce back in style – starting with their January 3 clash against Swansea City.

Here’s why…

Kind run of fixtures

In contrast to recent fixtures against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, none of Palace’s next eight games are against the Premier League’s top eight – and they play three of the bottom five before the end of February.

First up are Swansea City, who have only won one of their last six meetings with the Eagles. And beyond that are fixtures against a Sunderland side they took four points from last season, as well as a Stoke City side they’ve beaten five times in a row.

With that kind of pedigree against the sides coming up, there’s little doubt Palace will start adding significantly to their points total in the coming weeks.

They’re still scoring

Despite a frustrating run of results, the Eagles are still getting it done in front of goal. They’ve scored at least five goals more than any other team in the Premier League’s bottom-half, with their 29 so far actually equal to the tally of sixth-placed Manchester United.

Having found the net in 12 of their last 15 Premier League goals, the Eagles have been competitive in virtually every game this season – and have been unfortunate to lose on numerous occasions, not least the 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City.

As they head into a run of games against some of the league’s leakiest defences, don’t be surprised to see Belgian powerhouse Christian Benteke fill his boots.

Big Sam is the right man

His teams may not always be easy on the eye, but new boss Sam Allardyce knows exactly what it takes to drag a side out of a relegation dogfight.

The no-nonsense gaffer saved a seemingly doomed Sunderland from relegation last season, with the Black Cats losing just one of their last 11 games – with wins over the likes of Chelsea and Everton along the way.

With a far better squad at his disposal at Selhurst Park, the wily gaffer is likely to get the Eagles back to winning ways quickly.

Having links with a number of clubs, and plenty of pedigree – chances are we’ll see Big Sam lure some excellent players to south London in this transfer window, and he’s no stranger to picking up a few well-priced deals.

Talking of good prices, the 5/6 for Crystal Palace to beat a dismal Swansea at Selhurst Park on Tuesday looks well worth a flutter.

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