Benteke is in a rich vein of form, scoring 4 in his last 8 PL games !!

In a team that refuses to play direct football or crosses.

Would like to see Townsend in for Ayew against City. Particularly, if Ayew hasn't eaten or drunk anything for at least 6 hours prior to kick off.

I think whether he stays may well come down to whether we can afford to replace him. If we set up to deliver crosses into the box next season then he is probably capable of notching 10+ goals (if he stays fit). He also still wins most balls in the air. The thing is, he doesn't create anything for himself; he doesn't close defenders down really, he seems unable to go past a player anymore, and when was the last time he scored from outside the box? I could see a situation next season where he could be an option from the bench as an option when we want to go more direct. Also, if Dyche did come in he would probably like him as well.

It's very telling that no deal is on the table, as I'm sure he will get plenty of offers from abroad and if we were that desperate to keep him we would have got a deal done by now to avoid him agreeing a pre-contract elsewhere. Palace probably know he'd be quite happy to stay in London and maybe the two parties might agree on more favourable terms come the summer. I doubt any clubs in Europe would offer him more than 60/70k per week at this stage of his career. He seems like a gentle giant, but I really hope he isn't seen as our main striker going into next season.

In the end Parish might just decide he's spent too much money already on a player past his prime.

And still an average of of 5 goals per season...

He's lived a charmed life at Palace and will continue to do so with RH at the helm.

Glass half full.

Benteke for centre back,

On his current form I would offer a new contract