March 17 2005

Kit Symons

Kit Symons believes Palace have "nothing to fear" ahead of their clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as the Eagles have already proved they can compete against the Premiership elite, by Stuart Pink.

The 34-year-old assistant boss says draws against Arsenal and Manchester United at Selhurst Park, plus two goals at both Anfield and Old Trafford, show that the Eagles are more than capable of getting a result at the Bridge.

Symons said: "They Chelsea have been the best team in the Premiership by a stretch, but we will be looking to get a result against them.

"It's a good opportunity for us, we've drawn against Arsenal and Manchester United at home, so we are confident of getting something."

Symons has also played down media comments from the Chelsea camp regarding their aim to show their supremacy by "annihilating" teams in their Premiership run-in, and insists himself and Palace boss IAIN DOWIE will not be using that to inspire his players.

Symons said: "You go out to annihilate any team you are looking to play against, so fair play to them if that's what they set out to do in every match.

"But we're playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and there's no incentive bigger than that to get a result."

Palace will have to try and breach the meanest defence in the Premiership if they are to get anything from the game, but Symons feels Palace can hurt any team with their attacking threat.

Symons said: "We will try and catch them on the break with our pace up front and in all forward areas.

"We've scored goals at Highbury, Old Trafford and Anfield, so we're more than capable of creating chances away from home against the top sides."

The Eagles will certainly be feeling fresh for the clash, after they recently returned from a five-day training break in Cyprus to compensate for the 14-day break in their fixture list.

Symons feels the break is a ideal way for the Eagles to prepare for the nine game battle to retain their Premiership status.

Symons added: "It was a good trip, very beneficial. We got some good training in and it was a nice change of scenery and surroundings.

"We played golf on the Wednesday, but the football was very low key as the lads train very hard over the course of the season.

"But it's very important that we took this opportunity to go, it certainly won't do us any harm on the pitch."

Live Croydon Guardian text commentary