Marbella break gives Palace crucial time

Crystal Palace have taken the opportunity to go on a mid-season break to Marbella as they have a three week gap between the game against Ipswich and the FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham at the end of this month.

The Eagles are in great form, losing just one of their past 13 matches. Some would say playing regularly would be the best thing for them as they keep up the momentum ahead of a season-defining cup game.

However, the break may actually be a blessing in disguise though. If the Eagles were to keep playing and the FA Cup match was sooner, they would definitely be without key man and top scorerJean-Philippe Mateta.

Mateta is still recovering from having 25 stitches following a challenge from Millwall keeper Liam Roberts and is so important to how Palace play.

If they are to break into the top 10 and go even further into the FA Cup, they will need a fully-fit Mateta, something this break gives him the chance to achieve.

And that success is what is likely to keep this very talented Palace group together.

There are reports Oliver Glasner is in talks with the club about extending his contract. That would be welcome news as Glasner has transformed the way Palace play football and approach cup games.

Early conversations about next season have also taken place with the club's hierarchy. To make sure that the next campaign carries the same excitement and positivity as this one, Palace will need to keep hold of Mateta and their excellent manager.