Crystal Palace vs Norwich preview: Eagles and Canaries meet in relegation clash

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew looks on disappointed during his side's defeat (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Yohan Cabaye: Crystal Palace’s record signing was exceptional in the first half of the season, scoring six goals before the turn of the year and helping the Eagles to climb to fifth place at the Premier League’s half-way-point. Since January however, Palace’s form has nosedived, they are the only side in England’s top four divisions without a league win in 2016, a record which has plunged the south London club into the heat of a relegation battle which could intensify with defeat to fellow strugglers Norwich this weekend.

Cabaye is a technically gifted footballer and when he’s on form is a real asset to Palace, however during their recent troubles, the Frenchman has looked more of a liability and has seemed off the pace in many of Palaces games this year. Given the importance of this weekend’s fixture, now would be an excellent time for Palace’s number 7 to recapture the form of 2015 and help his side to a win they so desperately need.

Best stat…

14: Norwich are without a win at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace in their last 14 attempts.

Remember when…

On the opening day of the season Crystal Palace travelled to Carrow Road and put on a clinical display to defeat the canaries 3-1.

Player to watch…

Dieumerci Mbokani: Norwich’s Congolese frontman has had a tumultuous week after becoming embroiled in a war of words with his national football association who were unhappy that he missed two African Cup of Nations qualifiers last month as he was caught up in the terrorist attacks in Belgium.

Troubles aside, Mbokani has had a good season for the Canaries and was on the scoresheet in his sides win over Newcastle last time out. Palace’s defensive record is poor, they haven’t kept a clean sheet in the league since December and Mbokani will be keen to continue his good form and help his side pick up three points at Selhurst this weekend.

Past three-meetings…

Norwich 1 (Redmond) Crystal Palace 3 (Zaha, Delaney, Cabaye), Premier League, August 2015.

Crystal Palace 1 (Puncheon) Norwich 1 (Johnson), Premier League, January 2014.

Norwich 1 (Hooper) Crystal Palace 0, Premier League, November 2013.

Form guide…

Crystal Palace: LDLWLD

Norwich: LLLDWW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 15:00

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 22:20