FA Cup much-needed tonic for Allardyce
Guardiola’s brilliance may shine through
LONDON – Having written off the FA Cup as an unwelcome distraction prior to their third-round clash, Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce may now be hoping it provides a tonic to soothe frustrated fans and a pick-me-up for their beleaguered players.
Palace host Manchester City tomorrow in one of two all Premier League fourth round ties, with Arsenal’s match against Southampton the other highlight of the weekend fixture list.
On paper, a City side who swept aside West Ham United 5-0 in the previous round, are one of the last teams Allardyce would have wanted to face as he tries to haul his side out of their current malaise.
Yet, Pep Guardiola’s City have endured their own difficulties of late and a 4-0 league defeat to Everton at Goodison Park two weeks ago would have given Palace cause for optimism.
Should Palace lose, it will be their fifth defeat in eight matches since Allardyce replaced Alan Pardew in December.
Victory, however, could give them a platform from which to build as they look to pull clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
“Wins grow confidence,” Allardyce said. “No doubt about that.”
While Guardiola has not quite lived up to the impact City created when they won their first 10 matches after his arrival, there have been flashes of the brilliant football the coach was able to produce.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expected to ring the changes again when his side face Southampton, with media reports saying striker Alexis Sanchez could be rested while Danny Welbeck is in contention to make his first start of the season.
Wenger, however, may be absent from the touchline after being charged with misconduct after appearing to push the fourth official during a match against Burnley on Sunday.
Liverpool, who were knocked out of the Cup in the semifinal by Southampton, take on second tier Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow when leaders Chelsea host Brentford.
Holders Manchester United are at home to second tier Wigan Athletic on Sunday. –