Boxing Day, weather permitting, of course, will see Norwich City cross swords with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
One Crystal Palace fans’ forum has many of them believing that they are far better than they really are. Seems to be a trait with London clubs.
The first encounter was in January, 1914, in an FA Cup game, when Palace took the spoils, winning by 2 goals to 1.
A total of 105 encounters in all competitions has the London Club edging it by 45 wins to 43, with 17 draws.
The Palace supporter have a point, though, when it comes to encounters on Boxing Day.
There have been three previous meetings on Boxing Day.
Back in the 20s games were played on Christmas Day, as well.
Christmas Day 1925 saw Norwich win 4-3 at Carrow Road. Next day, at Selhurst Park, Palace won, 2-0.
In 1933 it was Christmas Day at Selhurst Park, when Norwich won, 1-0. Boxing Day at Carrow Road and City won again, this time it was 2-0.
Almost a century later, in 2008, once more Norwich City were at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day, and the Eagles won by 3 goals to 1.
So, statistically, Palace does edge it over City on Boxing Day at Selhurst Park, although the frequency is not such as to invite a betting person to expect a certain result either way.
In amongst these games are just four FA Cup encounters, and that lands in the Londoners court, as well. By 2 wins, one draw and one loss.
Past results away down south in London has led to some upsets; throwing away leads in the final moments, an apparent lack of desire. It has never been a favourite destination.
However, this is an entirely different Norwich side to what has gone before over the past decade.
This is a confident, winning side with an entirely different attitude.
No longer do heads drop when going down. In fact, the dander is elevated, and many a game that would once ended up as a defeat has been turned around with a goal in the dying moments to take all three points.
Add to that mix the fact that Palace are deep in the relegation zone and their last 10 games produced 3 wins, one draw and six losses, or 10 points from 30.
Norwich, on the other hand, has 4 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses, 16 from 30.
Historically, it would be safer to plump for the home side. Recent form, however, means only a Crystal Palace supporter would risk putting money on his side to win this Boxing Day.
Assuming, that is, that the game even gets the go-ahead.