The future is bright at Crystal Palace — but club legend Geoff Thomas knows they must be at their best to cause an FA Cup semi-final upset.
Chelsea stand in Palace's way at Wembley on Sunday as they bid to make it to the final for only the third time in their history, having also done so in 1990 and 2016.
Thomas’ optimism for the all-London affair was dampened slightly by the impressive displays Thomas Tuchel's side produced against Southampton and Real Madrid in their last two outings.
But having captained the Eagles to a shock 4-3 victory over Liverpool at this stage 32 years ago, the 57-year-old former midfielder refuses to count out Patrick Vieira’s men.
Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, Thomas said: "I was buoyant after watching Chelsea lose to Brentford.
"They have come back stronger, they have bounced back and they are more determined — and that Champions League exit is going to make it tougher for Palace.
"But miracles happen in the FA Cup and you hope it is one of those days for Palace, that everybody kicks on and gives 100%.
"That is the only way in all likelihood that they can beat Chelsea. Everybody has to perform because they are a quality side, there is no denying that.
"They’ll be as determined as Palace — we just need to go a step further."
Thomas sees plenty of similarities between Vieira's squad and the Eagles team he was part of in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
When Connor Gallagher and Marc Guehi started for England against Switzerland last month, it was the first time since Thomas and John Salako lined up in a 4-2 friendly win over Malaysia in 1991 that two Palace players had started for the Three Lions, while Tyrick Mitchell also came off the bench.
Thomas added: "The recognition the Palace players are getting is justifiable.
"Individually they have had great seasons. I think when we were playing we had five — Nigel Martyn, Ian Wright, Andy Gray, John and myself — you can see some synergy in the two squads."
Gallagher a big miss
Unfortunately for Palace, Chelsea refused their request to let loanee Gallagher play against them on Sunday.
Though not surprising on the Blues' part given their desire to win the competition, it leaves Vieira without a vital cog in his midfield.
Thomas said: "Gallagher has been a brilliant addition.
"As well as making the breaks into the box, he seems to have gelled everything together. He is a hard-working midfielder and you need that, you need a good mix.
"That is what Palace have at the minute. They have got the flair and the determination as well.
"It's going to be a big blow. He has been a standout player this season.