'No expectations - but Palace fans can dare to dream'
The scene at Selhurst Park was set. March sunshine, a traditional Saturday at 3pm kick-off and two special guests in attendance, England manager Thomas Tuchel and legendary commentator Barry Davies. So, of course, this would be the reminder that the beautiful game is not always so attractive.Nonetheless, the home fans would walk away happy with the late 1-0 victory over Ipswich, after a performance that would have possibly brought defeat during the poor vein of form at the beginning of the season.Most importantly, Oliver Glasner and his team now have a well-earned break, a trip to Marbella on the cards and three weeks of waiting until their next competitive fixture.This run of form, second only to Liverpool over the past six, eight and even 10 Premier League games, has been a remarkable feat.No Crystal Palace team has been on this many points in the Premier League era after 28 fixtures in the top flight. You must go back to Steve Coppell's team in the early 1990s to find a higher tally – before modern football and records began, allegedly.The question now is where the team can set their sights. There is an FA Cup quarter-final on the horizon while it is Fulham who stand between Palace and Wembley and also occupying 10th spot in the league table that Glasner may well be chasing next. Meanwhile, once Jean-Philippe Mateta returns the squad, will have a clean bill of health, something that has been unheard of this season.There are no expectations, of course. Palace fans are adept at not counting their chickens. Yet this has all the ingredients to be a special end to the season.So for now, we can dare to dream a little.Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external
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