Image source, Reuters

OK, seriously, what has gone wrong at Crystal Palace? They ended 2015 in fifth place, having earned 31 points from 19 games. In 2016 they have added just one point to that tally. One! In eight games! That came from a 1-1 draw at Swansea at the start of February.

So what is the problem? Injuries? Individual errors? Alan Pardew losing the plot? Or all of the previous?

Whatever it is, they need to solve it quick, starting with tonight at Sunderland. This week, Pardew admitted his side are in a relegation fight. Lose at the Stadium of Light and they are right in the thick of it. I suspect Alan might get a lively welcome this evening as well!

Earlier, I asked you for your favourite example of football mind games. Here are some of the ones sent to us already...

Shaun McCann: Best mind games in football bar none - Sir Alex Ferguson getting Kevin Keegan to do his "I'd love it" rant.  

William Terry: It has to be the Rafa Benitez press conference "facts" speech about SAF.  

You can tweet us using the hashtag #bbcfootball.

Norwich haven't won a game since the second of January. The only reason they haven't dropped into the bottom three is because there have been three teams just as bad if not worse than them. 

This is not something you want to rely on if you are going to win a relegation battle. Alex Neil's men need points and they need them fast. Tonight against Chelsea would be a fine place to start.

Unfortunately, the Blues aren't the soft touch they were earlier this season. They are unbeaten in 11 in the league and eyeing a late dart at the top half of the table.

Image source, Getty Images

Jermaine Jenas
Ex-Spurs & England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"Leicester's strength has been that collective team spirit they have. There are no so-called prima donnas, they are all singing off the same hymn sheet.

"They don't seem to have any complaining on the pitch - they are a strong unit who all know their jobs but they are going to have games when they have a dip. That will start happening more and more. Teams will start dropping off at home and not giving them space. Then we will see how they operate chasing the title."

Charlie Adam
Stoke City midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"Whatever they may be saying, winning the title will be getting discussed in the dressing room at Leicester! But Claudio Ranieri is saying the right things, Arsenal and Tottenham are favourites.

"Leicester shouldn't be anywhere near where they are. The job is done, they are safe. And we'll see where they end up in 11 games.

"The expectation of winning every game, which is a new feeling, is the key for Leicester now. You know what you are getting from TP and West Brom tonight, 4-5-1 and try and break us down.

"But I was jumping around when Leicester scored in the last minute against Norwich. I would be delighted for them if they won the league, it would be great for English football. Fair play to them."

As always, we want to hear your thoughts on tonight's games. 

Also, off the back of Claudio Ranieri's suggestion that Tottenham are favourites to win the title, we would specifically like to know what you think are the best examples of mind games in football? 

And how do you feel about mind games? Do they have an impact? Do you wish managers would do away with all this down-playing and just say, 'yep, we're gonna win it'?

You can get in touch on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcfootball or via text on 81111 (UK only).

The Foxes' home game against West Brom takes top billing in tonight's five fixtures. And here is that quintet of games in full (in alphabetical order)...

Aston Villa v Everton (19:45 GMT)

Bournemouth v Southampton (19:45 GMT)

Leicester v West Brom (19:45 GMT)

Norwich v Chelsea (19:45 GMT)

Sunderland v Crystal Palace (19:45 GMT)

Image source, Reuters

The weekend just gone gave us the clearest indication yet of who has the stomach for this Premier League title fight. 

In the yes column, Leicester and Tottenham, one of whom snatched a victory, while the other came from behind to win a home game against a stubborn opponent. 

Now filed under 'dubious' are Arsenal, who showed little bottle as they went down 3-2 at an under-strength Manchester United.

While Man City illustrated they do indeed have some nerve to hold in silverware-winning situations.

Tonight represents the first stage of what is a two-and-a-half-month mettle test for out leading protagonists. 

We are now entering mind-games season in the Premier League.

This week, Claudio Ranieri declared that Tottenham are favourites for the title - a claim that is very deferential to club size but flies in the face of league standing and bookmakers' odds.

As the only one of the top six in action tonight, City have the chance to steal a march on their rivals. If they do just that, Claudio may well offer a wry smile as the pieces continue to fall in place for possibly the most cunning plan ever devised. Certainly better than anything this fella came up with...