‘They’re already in one’ – Chris Sutton makes Crystal Palace relegation battle admission

Former Chelsea and Norwich City forward Chris Sutton believes Crystal Palace are already in a Premier League relegation battle.

The Eagles are the only side in the top flight without a win in 2023 – their last three points coming at Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.

Palace have only won one of their last 14 outings in all competitions.

They have also scored the fewest goals – nine – from open play in the Premier League this season.

Patrick Vieira’s side are 12th in the league table but find themselves just five points off the bottom three.

They host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Saturday evening.

Looking ahead to the clash with City at Selhurst Park, Sutton said in his BBC column: “I don’t think Crystal Palace are getting dragged into a relegation battle because of their long winless run – they are in one already.

“Manchester City were a bit flat against Newcastle last week, but they still did enough to win. Now they need to keep their foot on the throttle, to try to reel Arsenal in.

“City’s biggest issue here is probably their Champions League tie with RB Leipzig on Tuesday. Pep Guardiola will be shuffling his squad with that game in mind.

“Still, Phil Foden’s return to form is massive for them. He has given them a lift at the right moment, and his imagination and energy could make the difference here too – if he plays.”