Alan Pardew says there's no friction in his Crystal Palace squad

Alan Pardew insists there is no friction in his Crystal Palace squad despite being the only senior side in England without a league win this year.

The Selhurst Park side last emerged victorious from a Premier League fixture when they defeated Stoke 2-1 on December 19.

They do have four successes in 2016 against Southampton, Stoke, Tottenham and Reading but all have   come in the FA Cup as Palace have reached the semi-finals.

Pardew held talks with his players prior to their game at West Ham last weekend having fallen to 16th in the table and got a spirited response as they drew 2-2.

Palace host Norwich this weekend but while fans might be concerned the gap between the two at the bottom end of the table has closed to three points, the squad is upbeat.

Pardew said: "I think it's natural for a crowd, particularly after the start we had to this campaign, to have raised expectations.

"They will be nervous on Saturday. They have to sit and worry but we won't, we're confident. In the last two games, we've been substantially better.

"The stats have been better, our performances better and we're ready. We'd like to give ourselves a cushion going into this next run of games.

"It's the players that have to perform and my faith in them is resounding. We have to get a win soon.

"When you've had a run like we've had, it's natural to have some friction in the group but I've not sensed it. The reaction is very good here, they're a great group of players to work with.

"It could still be a great season for us but we need to get some points in the league to help that."

Norwich, currently four points clear of the relegation zone in 17th, have been able to get so close to Palace thanks to consecutive wins over West Brom and second-bottom Newcastle.

Pardew remains optimistic though and added: "It's a key game because it's against a team who are only three points behind us and they've won two games.

"Norwich's recent form doesn't concern me but it's more difficult because of the confidence they'll have gained from two wins.

"They played well against Newcastle but it could have been a loss. I expect it to be a tight, tight game. Norwich are a confident team and we need to take it to them.

"Our aim is very much to get a win. We want to do it for our fans, for us. It's be something we'll try to create through a good process."