Allardyce preparing for pivotal week at Palace

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is anticipating a week from hell but admits it was almost even worse before the club turned down a request to have their FA Cup match moved for TV.

Palace take on Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, then face a trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday and a home match with Sunderland next Saturday – the latter two games being potentially crucial to their Premier League survival hopes.

Throw in Tuesday being transfer deadline day – and Allardyce’s penchant for a last-minute bargain – and the next seven days look to be pivotal in deciding the fate of the Eagles’ season.

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Their week was nearly more condensed, with the BBC wanting to move the FA Cup clash with City to Sunday, only for Palace to refuse.

“Our game on Saturday nearly moved to Sunday but we didn’t want that so we refused the TV broadcasters request to change the date,” explained Allardyce.

“This gives us the best chance to prepare the team for Bournemouth on Tuesday and after that next weekend against Sunderland.

“We have been given a difficult situation this coming week, someone tried to make it even more difficult but fairness to the chairman, he said no so we now have to manage the three games in a week including the last few days of the transfer window.

“You will have to ask the Premier League why they decided to play a game on the Tuesday when the window closes that day. It is an awkward situation that did not have to happen.

“I would love to hear the answer because I get a blank when I ask. I have asked why they have done it many times but it is not the first time it has happened.”