The pressure that comes with relegation battles can be insufferable. They require mental fortitude, physical toughness and unbridled energy. Football teams can react to the sensation in varying ways -- they can blossom or they can wilt. This weekend's fixture, which sees Crystal Palace pitted against Middlesbrough in another Selhurst Park six-pointer, will require Sam Allardyce's side to keep their heads and play the game, not the occasion.
This Palace team, softened through repeated blows and disappointments, are susceptible to collapsing under pressure. The introduction of Allardyce to the equation was supposed to harden that resolve. Instead, the players have continued to meander through a season that, without a change in attitude and application, could result in relegation.