Crystal Palace host Chelsea at Selhurst Park this afternoon, with the Eagles aiming for yet another impressive result against a top-six side.
In order to emerge from today’s match with points, Crystal Palace must summon the same giant-killing mentality that has served the club so well this season.
In the first half of the Premier League campaign, Crystal Palace have amassed a remarkable series of results against the best teams in the division.
Top among their achievements is the recent 3-2 victory at the Etihad, in which Palace swept Manchester City off the park with scintillating counterattacking football polished off by audacious finishes.
In addition, Palace have drawn Manchester United 0-0 at Old Trafford in a feat of defensive fortitude, as well as notching a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the midst of the Gunners’ impressive unbeaten run.
Along the way, the Eagles have also suffered narrow defeats against Tottenham and today’s opponents Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge back in November, the score was level for just under 15 minutes before the Blues pulled away to a 3-1 victory.
While Crystal Palace have recorded laudable results against the Premier League elite, they have also laboured against sides in the bottom half of the league, drawing Cardiff City and Newcastle and losing to Southampton.
If Roy Hodgson’s side hopes to inflict damage on Chelsea this afternoon, Crystal Palace must raise their game to their opponent’s level and channel their giant-killing mentality in SE25.