Soccer-Crystal Palace v Burnley - Fans' view
By Claire Bloomfield
LONDON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Crystal Palace host Burnley at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Saturday. Roy Hodgson's revival of the South London club has lifted Palace out of the relegation zone and into 14th place.
Although Burnley are without a win in their last five games, they are still just five points short of a top-six spot.
Here is what the fans have to say about their respective clubs.
Chris Waters, Crystal Palace Supporters Trust
"We go into this game with a long list of injuries that has decimated the squad. While the first 11 looks strong, below the surface there is little beyond that which could influence games. That said, we have only lost one in our last 11 games and we face a Burnley team who are starting to stutter.
"I am predicting a 2-1 for Palace on Saturday. We have been particularly strong at home, often scoring two goals in a game. However, the defence looks exposed with so many injuries and we are also likely to concede.
"Sean Dyche has managed Burnley brilliantly. Many Palace fans were disappointed he did not get the Eagles' job in the summer. It is baffling as to why he hasn't yet gone to a bigger club. His side are likely to hurt us through our centre-backs - they are not gifted with pace.
"Roy Hodgson's impact at the club has been nothing short of incredible. Now we sit in 14th place with the strong belief that we can perform the greatest of escapes.
"Hodgson clearly loves Palace, and his professional, courteous manner reflects well on him and the club. Together with Ray Lewington, he has turned the team around. Bakary Sako has been one player in particular who has flourished under his management, converting from an inconsistent winger to a decent striker.
"The priority in the January transfer window continues to be a striker and a goalkeeper, but a centre-back and winger wouldn't go amiss either."
Shaun Borman, Burnley Football Supporters Club
"This weekend's trip to Selhurst Park is another big test for the Clarets. After drawing the last three away games in the league, I am hoping that we can start to build on those performances.
"It was at Selhurst Park where we achieved our solo victory on the road last season - but our away record this year has been exceptional in comparison.
"Crystal Palace are a strong and well organised team who are hard to break down. Palace are a real threat with the likes of Andros Townsend, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke who will all cause us problems.
"Palace are one of the best teams to play at Turf Moor so far this season and were very unfortunate to lose. Frank de Boer was dismissed the following day.
"Roy Hodgson has done a fantastic job in turning things around at Palace. He's given them a boost in confidence and helped to restore some resilience in the side.
"In many people's eyes, Burnley have over achieved so far this season and were amongst the favourites to be relegated before the campaign got underway.
"This season we have see the Clarets change from a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-5-1 formation. Some see this as a defensive set up but we have picked up 34-points to date. Goals have been a premium this season, though.
"Injuries have also hampered the Clarets. We've lost Tom Heaton, Stephen Ward, Robbie Brady and Chris Woods and it's stretching the squad to its limit. The arrival of Georges-Kevin N'Koudou will ease the pressure. There is still around 20 days to go until the transfer window closes and I am expecting more signings." (Editing by Ed Osmond)
