It’s been a tricky old season for Crystal Palace so far, and their supporters here in the Transfer Tavern are becoming a more nervous bunch by the day!

With Alan Pardew being shown the Selhurst Park door in recent weeks, it’s now down to Sam Allardyce to turn things around at Palace to ensure the club remains in the Premier League.

The Londoners are well-established in the top-flight these days and a relegation would really stunt the good work completed over the last few years. But in a turbulent time and with ‘Big Sam’ still facing plenty of flack for his actions during his time as England manager, it’s going to get tougher before it gets easier for the Eagles.

But Allardyce has a good squad at his disposal and some fantastic players on the fringes of the team as well, so what he must now do is figure out who are going to be his go-to men going forward.

So with that in mind, here’s two Crystal Palace players that need to ask Allardyce for more minutes on the pitch…

Mathieu Flamini

The French international has got bags of experience from playing all over but Mathieu Flamini has struggled to get a game at Crystal Palace.

But, Sam Allardyce brought him back into the first-team for the 1-1 draw over Watford and he played well, giving the Eagles a real sense of stability in the middle-of-the-park and he played against Arsenal, too, so he should be asking to stay in the side.

He’s the sort of player who Palace could really do with right now, especially with things being so poor in the first half of the season.

Bakary Sako

Since making the step up to the Premier League last summer, it’s been a tough old experience for former Wolves man Bakary Sako.

Whilst a change in manager might be extremely good for his chances at getting some more first-team action, you get the impression that with Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha both as first-team options at Selhurst Park, it’s going to be tough.

He’s a powerful unit who would slot into most Championship sides at least and he needs to have a sit down with Allardyce and ask to play because he may be able to offer something different to the Eagles.

Thoughts, Palace fans? Let us know below!