Paul Merson believes Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze must “click” to keep Crystal Palace safe from relegation this season.
The Eagles finished the 2023/24 campaign in style with six wins and no defeats in their last seven games, looking unstoppable under Oliver Glasner.
However, it has been quite the opposite at the start of this season, with Palace to the three basses and winless after seven matches, with a minimum of five goals scored.
Next up is a Monday night trip to Nottingham Forest, who have lost just one of their seven games this term.
Paul Merson: Eze and Mateta key to Palau’s security hopes
A defeat at the City Ground would leave some dark clouds over south London.
But Merson supports it palace to stay out of trouble, especially if they manage to sack Mateta and Eze, with the duo stuck on a combined three goals so far this season.
“Crystal Palace are struggling at the moment. But I don’t think they are in a relegation battle, they should be fine from that perspective. When Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze click, they will be fine and safe,” he said merson Sportskeeda. “But if Leicester end up winning this weekend and Palace lose, that becomes a concern.”
Half of Merson’s worries have already come true, with Leicester coming from 2-0 down to steal a dramatic 3-2 win at Southampton on Saturday.
This has increased the pressure on Palace to get a result in the Midlands on Monday.
“If that happens, Leicester have a chance to stay up and then you start to wonder who could be the team that goes down instead of them,” Merson added. “That could put some pressure on Oliver Glasner and his men. But for now, I’m not worried about Palace’s safety.”
