CRYSTAL Palace fan ALEX WHITE thinks this weekend's date with Jose Mourinho's men is a perfect chance for Wilfried Zaha's second coming to truly catch fire...
WITH Yannick Bolasie away on international duty and his return not expected until late in the week, it is a perfect opportunity for Wilfried Zaha to step up to the plate against Premier League leaders Chelsea this weekend.
Wilf hasn't really had the chance to break into the first team as of yet, with the form of Puncheon and Bolasie but now I really feel he will have, and also take, his chance. Palace fans know better than anyone that Zaha plays at his best on the biggest stage and they don't get much bigger for us than Chelsea at home.
Last season's victory against the Blues was one of the best Palace games I have ever attended. The game was an entertaining affair; it was a real gritty Premier League end-to-end match.
Julian Speroni performed heroics and showed Tony Pulis exactly why he deserved to be the number one. The players were spirited, mentally tough and playing for each other. Of course it was also delightful to see John Terry stick one in his own net!
The backing of the fans was probably the biggest difference. The Chelsea players, fans and staff were shocked and intimidated by the noise and atmosphere we created. Those Chelsea players hadn't experienced anything like it in the Premier League and it hit them for six. Their reaction to the atmosphere allowed our players to soak it up and thrive on the pressure.
The managerial chaos at the start of the season was tough to take but that never stopped us supporting the red and blue; in fact it made us even louder.
Last time out against Leicester at Fortress Selhurst, that feel good factor seemed like it had fully returned and again had the opposition shaking in their boots. If we stand any chance of a similar result this time round, that sort of atmosphere will be essential. It's a tough task but one the best fans in the country can match, and even better.
Anything is possible in this division and with a combination of spirit in the stands and ability of someone like Zaha on the pitch, we stand a very good chance.
Home form will be a key this season so ensuring we retain Fortress Selhurst this season is a must.
