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Crystal Palace face Doncaster Rovers on Sunday in an FA Cup clash. Due to a suspension, the Eagles will be without their talisman Wilfried Zaha. However, Roy Hodgson will still expect his Premier League side to have what to takes to overcome the League One outfit.

Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes the south London club could be in for a tough time though.

What he said

In his Sky Sports FA Cup predictions column, Merson has reminded everyone of the good form Doncaster are in, “Doncaster are flying and had a good result in the week.”

Doncaster are currently sixth in the League One table, and are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions. 

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Despite being a top flight side, Palace will know that they can’t afford to rest on their laurels. As Merson warns, “it will be a hard game.”

However, Merson does still believe that Palace will claim the victory.

A chance to go on a run

If Palace do indeed beat Doncaster on Sunday then they stand a great chance of going much further in the competition. 

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are already out, and Chelsea and Manchester United have to face each other on Monday too.

With so many of the ‘big six’ already out of the way, there is an opportunity for Palace to go on a run in the cup. Hodgson will know that a good FA Cup campaign would provide a huge boost to the club, so he’ll be keen to ensure his side don’t stumble this weekend.