Crystal Palace's key fixtures in Premier League relegation battle

God, it's been bleak at Selhurst Park.

Patrick Vieira was seemingly set to guide Crystal Palace to yet another sound mid-table finish, but his side have embarked on a miserable run of form in 2023. The Eagles haven't won a game of football since New Year's Eve, and their dire spell has thrust them into trouble.

The goals have dried up and Vieira's side are now struggling to even test the opposition's goalkeeper. On Saturday, Palace became the first side since Opta started recording data in 2003/04 to fail to record a single shot on target in three consecutive Premier League outings.

For supporters, it's hard to envisage when the next win will arrive. It's been so long. However, their schedule does brighten up down the stretch and Vieira will view the international break as a chance to reset ahead of the most crucial period of the campaign.

Here's a note of Palace's most important fixtures between now and the end of the season.

• How many points are needed to avoid relegation from the Premier League

Key Crystal Palace fixtures in 2022/23 relegation run-in

Crystal Palace vs Leicester (1st April, 15:00)

Palace's poor run of form is set to continue before the break as they take on Brighton and Arsenal in their next two games.

However, they return to action with a winnable home bout against a slumping Leicester. The break will also give the Foxes a chance to reignite, but this is nonetheless a contest you feel Palace must win to ensure their slump doesn't perpetuate into a crucial run of fixtures.

Leeds vs Crystal Palace (8th April, 17:30)

Vieira then takes his side to Elland Road the week after for a televised clash on Sunday evening. Leeds are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone and this will be anything but a simple trip.

The Leeds faithful at Elland Road will do their utmost to unnerve the visitors and inspire the hosts over the line.

Southampton vs Crystal Palace (15th April, 15:00)

This is just the halfway point of what's a pretty remarkable run of fixtures for the Eagles as they take on six of the current bottom eight in six consecutive games.

They're once again on the road after their trip to Yorkshire, but this time they're heading south to St. Mary's to take on Southampton. The Saints will bookmark this encounter as one they simply have to win if they're to stay up this season.

Crystal Palace vs Everton (22nd April, 15:00)

Sean Dyche will believe that Everton's home form will be enough to get them over the line. Any points they pick up on the road is a mere bonus. However, their difficult schedule to close out the campaign means this could well up being a fixture the Toffees have to get three points from.

Palace have struggled mightily for goals in 2023, and facing up against a Dyche-led low block will not be ideal if they head into the contest needing three points.

Wolves vs Crystal Palace (25th April, 19:30)

Further stubbornness and functionality is on the menu for Vieira's side just a couple of days later as they visit Molineux for a midweek clash against Wolves.

Julen Lopetegui's side sit just below Palace in the table, and many expect them to be okay in the race for survival. The Eagles came from behind to beat Wolves in the reverse fixture back in October.

Crystal Palace vs West Ham (April 29th, 12:30)

A London derby that could have huge significance.

West Ham are in dire straits and their current commitment to the Europa Conference League could further complicate their bid to stay up. Both sides will be looking to kickstart their weekends with a huge win in the Saturday early kick-off.

Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth (13th May, 15:00)

Palace enjoy a week off facing fellow relegation-threatened outfits at the start of May as they visit Tottenham before they play host to Bournemouth.

Given the talent at Vieira's disposal, you'd expect the Eagles to enjoy an upsurge in form given their April schedule and supporters will be hoping they're somewhat in the clear by the time this fixture rolls around. The Cherries only seem to be improving and are proving stern opposition for everybody they come up against.

Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (28th May, 16:30)

Their season fittingly concludes against another relegation contender. Should Palace still be in trouble come the final day of the season, they can take solace in knowing Forest are coming to town.

Steve Cooper's side have picked up just six points on the road all season, scoring just four goals in the process.

Remaining Crystal Palace fixtures

March

• 15/03/23 - Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace (19:30)
• 19/03/23 - Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (14:00)

April

• 01/04/23 - Crystal Palace vs Leicester (15:00)
• 08/04/23 - Leeds vs Crystal Palace (17:30)
• 15/04/23 - Southampton vs Crystal Palace (15:00)
• 22/04/23 - Crystal Palace vs Everton (15:00)
• 25/04/23 - Wolves vs Crystal Palace (19:30)
• 29/04/23 - Crystal Palace vs West Ham (12:30)

May

• 06/05/23 - Tottenham vs Crystal Palace (15:00)
• 13/05/23 - Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth (15:00)
• 20/05/23 - Fulham vs Crystal Palace (15:00)
• 28/05/23 - Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (16:30)

Where are Crystal Palace in the Premier League table?

The Eagles were in a position of comfort not too long ago, but their miserable run of form means they've been dragged into the dogfight.

While they seemingly sit in a comfortable 12th place, Palace are now just three points ahead of the drop zone.