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Pierre Sage must unleash rarely-seen Crystal Palace player to keep his job
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- Pierre Sage must unleash rarely-seen Crystal Palace player to keep his job
Pierre Sage is met with a looming deadline on his future as Crystal Palace manager at Selhurst Park this season.
After just eight games in charge, the 47-year-old is already is already facing the potential for his time in South London to come to a very sad end.
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Sage came to the Premier League after two successful spells at Lyon and Lens, where he registered 59 and 70 per cent win rates in France.
It is understood, however, that should the Eagles lose to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, 31 October, he will be relieved of his duties.
Now, Palace do have a Carabao Cup clash against Fulham to prepare for ahead of the key Premier League fixture.
It remains to be seen how Sage will treat the game before the Spurs match that could define his tenure, but he desperately needs consistency and form.
Pierre Sage fights for his job at Selhurst Park
The most recent 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United will have left a sour taste in mouths at the weekend, especially with more chances for the Eagles.
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Opportunities are there for Palace to secure more points, but the players on the pitch just aren't making them count.
And that's why Ismaila Sarr needs to make a timely return to the starting lineup after nearly departing Selhurst Park during the summer.
There is no doubt that Liverpool's interest turned the winger's head, and that has clearly played a role in his struggles in the 2026-27 campaign.
With 21 goals in all competitions last term, Sage can't afford not to play him. So far, he's played 15 minutes in the Premier League, and has been handed just one start in the Europa League.
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Sarr needs to be in the lineup for his goalscoring prowess, and that would mean Dwight McNeil taking a spot on the bench again.
Axel Disasi has certainly disappointed since joining on loan from Chelsea, while there also needs to be a difficult conversation about Adam Wharton.
The talented midfielder is having an awful campaign so far and deserves to be dropped if he fails to improve against Fulham this week.
And finally, if Dean Henderson is fit enough, 33-year-old Walter Benitez needs to be taken out of the side and stuck on the bench.
