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Work-rate. Incisiveness. Nous. I don't ask for much. This is how it's gonna be. Build from the ground up. Another Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Either TNT Sports want all our live games and only have the Saturday lunchtime slot, or we are drawing the short straw. We don't play again until Thursday teatime in Belgium, in what is a nothing game for us, so we don't need to cosset our players with more recovery time between the two games. As it's the first of the weekend fixtures, we have a chance to go top of the league for a few hours at least if we grab a win. Palace have had a typically unremarkable season so far, and have one or two big injuries of their own. Doucoure is out for the season, and I think Eze might be missing for them too. He looks a very good player, as does Olise. I know they still have Edouard and Ayew as forward options, and I think the likes of Schlupp and Hakuna Mateta are still there, but I would have to look up their squad to see who's there. Last season's fixture was a damp squib of a goalless draw. Vieira was still Palace manager, and the best chances all hit the woodwork. First Diogo with a far post header from the narrowest of angles. Then Mateta after Trent lost possession in our own box, and lastly Mo with a peach of an effort that deserved better. It was a bit like yesterday's game at Bramall Lane only without the finishes. We're without Ali, Robbo, Thiago and Baj already, but Joel has been added to the injury list and is likely out for the season after rupturing his ACL against Fulham. I hope that is not his last game for us but as he's out of contract in the summer, it seems more than likely. A sad way for one of our 3 best free transfer signings to bow out if it is to be. And if it is, then I say a massive thank you to Big Bird for being an absolute stalwart for the last 8 years. He has been criminally under-rated in this country despite being one of the very best defenders during his time here, and he is so unintentionally hilarious off the pitch. Virg absolutely loves him and will miss him for sure. Mac could be a doubt for Palace after being in the wars against Sheffield United. Apparently the studs on the knee left a cut that gradually restricted his mobility as it kept opening up again. For the rest, the attackers in particular, we need to climb out of our stupor and put in a performance. Mo's decision making and effectiveness has diminished ever since the 200-goal milestone crept into view. He is miles better than he has been showing since the last international break. Motivation, concentration, attitude and application from first minute to last. No silliness. 3 points please. Get it done!