Pierre Sage is heading into a potentially decisive period as Crystal Palace manager after a difficult opening to the Premier League campaign.
Palace have collected four points from their first five league matches, leaving Sage facing an important run of games after the international break. Jack Pearce, from the Five Year Plan Podcast, believes the results during October could have a major influence on the manager's future at Selhurst Park.
The next five matches will include Europa League trips to Lyon and Besiktas, as well as an away meeting with rivals Brighton. The sequence begins on Sunday when Palace face Nottingham Forest, managed by former Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.
Pearce told BBC Radio London that Sage could finish October with greater support from Palace supporters and a stronger reputation, but also warned that a poor run could leave the manager without a job.
The demanding schedule will therefore provide Sage with an opportunity to improve Palace's position in the Premier League and make progress in Europe, while also increasing the significance of each result during the coming weeks.
