Crystal Palace press conference LIVE: Roy Hodgson on Zaha’s possible return, Mateta and Brighton preview

Stay tuned on VAVEL.com for more reaction from Roy Hodgson's pre-Brighton press conference.

Hodgson confirms that there is the possibility for the game against Manchester United will be moved in-between Fulham and Spurs.

"We do suffer greatly when the injuries come our way."

"I think we have been competitive throughout the season. We play football for the fans, as they are the lifeblood of the club."

"I don't see apathy. I don't see players not playing with pride or for the shirt. The bottom line is, when you are playing well, there are lots of things not going the way that you would like."

"Every team misses the players they consider important to win matches."

"I of course heard about it."

"I see everyday how hard the players do work and want to do well, but of course, when it doesn't go well, you open yourself up to criticism of that nature."

"We do need to do better than we have in our last couple of games; there is no doubt about that."

"I also believe we have the wherewithal within the club to turn the situation around."

"We must accept that fans have a right to an opinion and the right to feel upset." "Our fans have been very good over the years. We're not in a desperate situation in the league. The fans have a right to their opinion and feel upset when the team they love is not doing as well as they want."

"Due to the fact we haven't defended well enough. That's the bottom line. It gives you a up hill struggle to get back into the game. 

"It's a fact of football life."

"It's a game which is very important to our fans; everyone at the club is well aware of that." "Whatever team we play, we'd be anxious to show we're better. The fact it's Brighton adds more spice, particularly for the fans. A good chance to show that the last two performances are not what to expect from us." “We need to prepare well. We need everyone ready mentally, physically and tactically and hope we can put in a good performance against Brighton.”

"He is working hard to try and get back as soon as he can."

"No, not really. James McCarthy trained today which is a positive.

"A couple of other players picked up slights knocks, so we will have to monitor them ahead of the weekend."

The Palace boss has sat down to face questions from the broadcast section first. 

Roy Hodgson's press conference is due to start in around 20 minutes. Stay tuned on VAVEL.com for live updates of the broadcast section. 

Furthermore, there will be additional coverage following the press conference at 22:30 on Saturday evening. 

Roy Hodgson is set to face questions from journalists on Zoom at around 13:00, ahead of the Premier League clash against Brighton. 

In the absence of Zaha, the goalscoring burden falls upon the shoulders of the strikers.  

However, with Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke yet to really stoke the fire in front of goal, it could be time for Jean-Philippe Mateta to stake his claim as the starting forward in Hodgson's side.  

Hodgson will be asked on team news.  

It is expected that James McArthur will be back for this weekend to strengthen Hodgson's options.  

However, with several key components of his squad unavailable, this period of games continues to be challenging for Crystal Palace.

The catalyst for Palace’s slump in form, has been the loss of their talisman, Wilfried Zaha.  

Palace have only won two in their last 20 games without Zaha, and Hodgson’s called for the squad to ‘Step up’ the absence of the Ivorian - Palace lost 3-0 at home to Burnley on Saturday.  

So, with Zaha potentially out for the Brighton clash, Hodgson will be tasked of coaxing a winning formula out of a dilapidated squad. 

With both teams seemingly safe from relegation, and with no cup run on the horizon, Monday night's fixture is the pinnacle of the season for the bitter rivals.  

The fixture back in October, saw a 1-1 draw, with Alexis MacAllister scoring in the dying minute to snatch a point for Graham Potter’s side. Although Palace walked away with a point, they were lucky to withstand the Seagulls’ 90-minute bombardment.  

The long-standing rivalry is etched into these two sides identity and a win, plus bragging rights, is a momentous achievement for either manager.  

Hello!

Welcome to Roy Hodgson’s pre-Brighton & Hove Albion press conference.