Crystal Palace still might need one more win to secure their Premier League safety and help could be at hand from Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
The 2-0 defeat to Burnley last time out saw Sam Allardyce’s Eagles slip down to 16th in the Premier League table.
While they have a six point cushion to Swansea City in the relegation zone, they face a daunting trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City next before a relegation six-pointer against Hull and a final day trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
It leaves the Eagles the very real prospect of being dragged into the mix.
But the South Londoners have received an unlikely boost from none other than Jose Mourinho, who has threatened to play a weakened team against his old friend Allardyce on the final day to deal with fixture congestion and injuries.
“At the moment, it is hypothetical, but the Europa League final is on the Wednesday and we play against Crystal Palace on the Sunday,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“We would be playing the final in disaster consequences.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce
“Again, maybe this result is also a blessing because maybe I can bring Nicky Butt and his team to play against Crystal Palace.
“Hopefully Crystal Palace doesn’t need the game to stay in the division. It would be very, very bad if they needed the points for us to play with the Under-23s.”
Mourinho’s side drew 1-1 with Swansea last time out in what was their ninth game in April.
Weakened team? Mourinho has threatened to play the Under 23s against Palace
Of course to be in a position where he has to decide whether to carry out his threat against Palace, the Portuguese must first negotiate the semi-final against Celta Vigo.
If they do make it to the final it will surely become the club’s priority given a Champions League place is at stake to the winner.
And that could be music to Allardyce’s ears as his side desperately battle to get over the line.
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