Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage is hoping the Selhurst Park atmosphere can provide an extra lift when Nottingham Forest visit on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 BST.
The Eagles are still searching for their first home victory of the season, while Forest sit one point and two places above them in the Premier League table. The recent history between the sides is finely balanced too, with each of the last four league meetings at Selhurst Park ending level.
Sage believes the small margins could decide another closely contested fixture. He feels Palace must continue developing their style and execute the important details, while the supporters can help create the conditions for a positive result. The Frenchman is also looking beyond a single victory, stressing that the club’s ambitions should extend further than one game.
Sunday will see Oliver Glasner return to Selhurst Park for the first time since leaving the Palace managerial role. Sage spoke highly of the Austrian’s achievements, including the three trophies he won during his time with the club, and described that success as part of Palace’s history. He also expressed respect for Daniel Muñoz, who left during the summer, and said he hoped both would receive a warm reception.
Palace head into the match after going unbeaten in their two games before the international break. Their most recent outing ended in a goalless draw away to Leeds, but Sage viewed the performance as an encouraging sign that his team can maintain a balance between attacking and defending.
The manager felt Palace created enough opportunities to win at Elland Road while limiting Leeds’ threat. However, he also warned that the display must be repeated, with Sunday offering the team an opportunity to build on that performance and finally secure a home win this season.
