Sam Allardyce: Crystal Palace fans' nerves could impact on players in Hull City game
Thursday 11 May 2017 11:05, UK
Sam Allardyce admits he is concerned the Crystal Palace supporters' nervousness could impact on his players when they face Hull.
Allardyce believes the pressure is all on Hull for the game, live on Sky Sports, between two sides separated by four points at the foot of the Premier League table.
With two games left to play, Hull are in the final relegation place but sit just a point off 17th-placed Swansea City, and know a win at Selhurst Park would drag Allardyce's side into the final-day battle to stay up.
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A draw would ensure the gap remained the same and therefore keep Palace in the Premier League, and Allardyce knows his players must stay calm in the pressure situation.
"We have to hold our nerve on Sunday and make sure we produce our best performance," said Allardyce.
"Our crowd will be a big help but they can't get nervous because that will pass over to the players. We have to hold our nerve.
"The pressure lies with Hull. They have to win, we only have to avoid losing."
Allardyce concedes that, at this critical stage of the season, his sole concern is getting the required points to keep Palace in the top flight and that any desires to play attractive football may have to be shelved for the final two games.
He said: "It's all about getting the result. If we can through playing well and scoring goals then great but if we need to play ugly, play ugly.
"To settle your nerves you have to excite the crowd, not just in the way you play but by showing you can handle that pressure."
