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With survival achieved this season at the earliest point since they returned to the Premier League in 2013, Crystal Palace have a number of players to thank for that achievement.

Vicente Guaita has been a huge boost in net, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been immense at right-back and Wilfried Zaha has been up to his usual tricks.

The Eagles number 11, having said outright that he wants to play Champions League football, could be out the door this summer after another impressive campaign – a departure that would shake Selhurst Park to the core.

However, there is at least one positive for Palace fans to consider.

On the chalkboard

Zaha brings bags of pace, strength and flair to Palace’s attack and he is the main reason why the SE25 outfit are seen as one of the most dangerous counter-attacking teams away from home. They have beaten Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and nearly got the better of Liverpool at Anfield – results that put them second in the table based on away form in the last 10 games.

However, it isn’t the same story at home, with the Eagles sitting in a lowly 17th place and taking just nine points from their last 10 at Selhurst Park.

With an atmosphere that’s the envy of the Premier League, Palace should be making their home ground a fortress, not taking it with them on their travels.

How, then, can Zaha’s departure re-balance their polarised form both home and away?

Blessing in disguise

Roy Hodgson’s side is built to do damage on the counter and, when on their travels, the Eagles sit back a little more and allow their hosts to have possession – this ultimately allows them to get the best out of the threat they have on the break, to which Zaha is crucial.

Currently, Palace’s plan A both away from and at home is to give the ball to the talismanic winger and let him do what he does best but, without him, their ability to hit teams with speed is significantly weakened, meaning that they will inevitably pick up fewer points on the road.

There’s some exciting changes happening at Crystal Palace next summer. Find out what in the video below…

At Selhurst Park, though, it would see them think of other avenues to attack and create.

This would benefit the likes of Christian Benteke, who would see a lot more crosses headed his way with Zaha no longer there to chop back inside and win penalties.

With Hodgson surely forced to completely change his side’s approach with Zaha out of the picture, Palace fans could see their team pick up more results at SE25 next season should the Ivorian seek pastures new, thus re-balancing their home and away form.

Ultimately, season ticket holders pay their money to see their team get results at home and Zaha’s departure could see them finally get value for their hard-earned cash.