Alan Pardew has denied there is any friction in the Crystal Palace dressing as their Premier League season enters a critical phase.

The Eagles host the Canaries on Saturday, and a win for the visitors would bring them level on points and potentially leave Palace only four points above the drop zone.

Despite a run in the FA Cup that has taken Palace to a semi-final Wembley appearance on April 24, Pardew and co have not won a Premier League game this calendar year.

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He said: “Saturday is a key game because it’s against a team who are only three points behind us and they’ve won two games [in a row].

“It could still be a great season for us, but we need to get some points in the league to help that.

“The reaction is very good here, they’re a great group of players to work with.”

He added: “When you’ve had a run like we’ve had it’s natural to have some friction in the group, but I’ve not sensed it.”

Pardew is likely to be without Emanuel Adebayor this weekend, although the Toga striker should be available for Everton’s visit to Selhurst Park.

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