Right.... apologies for yet another doom/gloom thread but what do people think about our chances of picking up points in our forthcoming schedule of matches up to the New Year...

Man City ( h )
Swansea City ( a )
Southanpton ( h )
Hull City ( a )
Man U ( h )
Chelsea ( h )
Watford ( a )
Arsenal ( a )

That looks like quite a tough programme to me and if we continue to defend like we have done for the last four matches it's difficult to see us getting more than 6 points.

If that was the case then we would begin 2017 firmly in the relegation zone and in a bit of trouble.

How would that sit with those stalwarts on here that will not contemplate any criticism of Pardew despite his poor record of games won in the PL in 2016.

We seem to have gone from a very tight defensive side under Pulis that hit teams on the break, to a gungho all guns blazing attacking unit under Pardew.

Yes, it's more exciting to watch, but teams are exploiting our defensive weaknesses.

I really fear what Man City will do with their attack and our defence will be overrun based on their current showings.

Talk of Dann and Ward for England last season, now sounds ridiculous and I expect Southgate was not impressed with either of them yesterday.

In summary I can see a turbulent start to the New Year and yet again we might be looking for a new manager.

We could do worse than appoint Allardyce if we want to preserve our Premiership status.

For those that don't know me.... I am no pant wetter or plastic johnny come lately supporter wanting it all now. I have supported Palace since 1963 and have seen it all in my 53 years following our fortunes.

Edited by Hoof Hearted (06 Nov 2016 11.52am)

Very accurate assessment of our current position.
Would like to think we could get 2 wins and 2 draws out of those fixtures you detail,so slightly more optimistic.

Sadly, I keep returning to the thought that Palace has been told that they are to help provide entertainment (Sky BT TV) for 75% of the season (losing many times), with 25% recovery time. I do hope that some of the next matches will fall within the 25% (when we could play the Crystals and win), and that there will be at least two matches (be good if one is at home) when our team is present (both mentally and physically) from the kick off whistle.

COYP

Our fabulous start to the last season up until Xmas,was followed by an abysmal run,which may well continue into late December this season,looking at some of the so called big teams we have to face.
Certainly,we should be beating teams like Burnley,WBA Bournemouth,and at least,getting a draw against West Ham and Leicester.The fact that we didn't,sets the alarm bells calling and change at the top to arrest this slide will be necessary,as I am sure the US investors will be looking anxiously on to preserve our top flight status.

We tried that against Liverpool, didn't work!