Nothing much has changed for them since that forgettable occasion. They’re still Crystal Palace, with all the glamour and appeal of a motorway service station late at night, when KFC and Subway have closed and the only thing left is a WH Smith meal deal. Palace, as you should know by now because we tell you every time there’s a space to fill, were formed with the aim of being the Aston Villa of the south. We gave them our assistant secretary to run the club and they played in claret and blue. The other Andy Gray was in their team of the century.

Palace have been up and down a bit over the years but recently they’ve settled in mid-table, although give them their due, they’re doing their best to change that this season. I’d try to say something cutting and witty about their manger but he’s as nondescript as his team. Their players are about as interesting, and some of them are injured.

Talking of which, thinking that we might be in for a bit of luck with injuries this season was wishful thinking. They’re starting to pile up again, like they ever really go away. We’re not at the bring your boots and get there early stage yet, but give it a couple of weeks and we’re bound to be there.