Hodgson confident Eagles to fly high

ROY HODGSON is adamant morale at Crystal Palace is good despite an eight-match winless run in the Premier League. Shot-shy Palace have bagged just eight league goals all season but he insisted: “I don’t see any lack of confidence or any lack of belief or faith in the fact we will climb the table.”

However, after a run of games against Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United, Hodgson warned his men not to think they can turn their form around without total commitment against Burnley.

“If the players believe that, we are in massive trouble,” he said. “Burnley had to start the season early with qualification for the Europa League and with a small squad they found it very hard. “But I imagine Sean Dyche will be telling them, ‘Now it’s settling down we will soon be back to where we were’.”

Hodgson (above) is not that surprised to see Burnley drop back a little this season.

He said: “Teams have won leagues and been relegated the next season, let alone finishing seventh then being nearer to the bottom. It’s not just the volatility of the Premier League, it’s the quality.

“You have to be hoping that time,.” you are improving all the apace with all the other teams.”

THE WINLESS RUNS...

CRYSTAL PALACE

Sep 22 Newcastle (H) D 0-0 -0 Oct 1 Bournemouth (A) L 1-2 Oct 6 Wolves (H) L 0-1

Oct 21 Everton (A) L 0-2

Oct 28 Arsenal (H) D 2-2 Nov 4 Chelsea (A) L 1-3

Nov 10 Tottenham (H) L 0-1 Nov 24 Man Utd (A) D 0-0 BURNLEY

Oct 6 Huddersfield (H) D 1-1 Oct 20 Man City (A) L 0-5 Oct 28 Chelsea (H) L 0-4 Nov 3 West Ham (A) L 2-4 Nov 10 Leicester (A) D 0-0 Nov 26 Newcastle (H) L 1-2