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Crystal Palace visit Watford this weekend in the FA Cup, where they will be hoping to both bounce back from a disappointing result against Brighton and progress to the semi-finals.
The Selhurst Park faithful will surely expect Roy Hodgson to field a full strength starting XI against the Hornets, and there should be no reason for the former England boss not to oblige.
On the chalkboard
The Eagles struggled to break down their deep-sat opposition on Saturday and Brighton, who made far better use of their time on the ball, capitalised on the two half-opportunities afforded to them to take all three points back to the Amex Stadium.
The intense rivalry between the two might not make much sense to other football fans but for those of Palace and the Seagulls the clash is enormous – for the former, it will surely have felt like losing a cup final at the weekend.
Fortunately for the Eagles fans though, they could have another round the corner if they can progress further in the FA Cup – Hodgson should do everything he can to make it up to them after a terrible performance at the weekend.
No excuses
The 71-year-old has repeatedly stated that securing Premier League survival remains a priority over cup success, but the quarter-final clash with Javi Gracia’s men represents Hodgson with a perfect opportunity to appease Palace fans who are furious about the result last time out.
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He can make sure his side are in with their best chance of reaching the last four by fielding his strongest possible team, regardless of the risks attached by doing so. Considering that both Manchester clubs are the only two top six sides left in the competition, Palace can certainly go all the way too – it’s well worth the manager giving it everything Palace have got, and it will be a disgrace if he doesn’t.