Gray Underlines Palace Depth
- Demarai Gray says Crystal Palace will be a difficult opponent to face on Saturday, despite the absence of the suspended Wilfried Zaha
- The Foxes head to Selhurst Park in the Premier League (3pm GMT kick-off)
- Live coverage of the game will begin at 1pm GMT on LCFC Radio with the Pre-Match Pint
The Ivory Coast international, who will miss Saturday’s fixture at Selhurst Park through suspension, has been involved in six goals for Roy Hodgson’s men this term.
Gray is well aware of Zaha’s talent, but knows Palace still have a range of creative stars in their ranks and will also be aiming to return to winning ways following a 3-2 loss to West Ham United last weekend.
“They are a very good team with dangerous players and good depth in the team as well,” Gray said ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
“It’s not about where you are in the table now, everyone’s just trying to get the three points to get themselves up the table. I think it’s important we change last season’s results against them.
“For me, he’s (Wilfried Zaha) one of the best wingers in the Premier League. He’s direct, dangerous and full of tricks.”
The Foxes, meanwhile, have lost just once in their last eight outings – a 2-0 reverse to Tottenham Hotspur at King Power Stadium – and Gray is hoping his side can show their bouncebackabilty in the capital.
“I think we’re doing okay,” Gray continued. “We had a good run until the Spurs game, which was obviously disappointing, but we’re doing okay under the circumstances.
“It is a long season and we will pick points up over the rest of the season, so I think it’s just getting as many points as possible over the Christmas period and January, because there are a lot of games coming up.”
Gray earned his maiden senior England call-up earlier this season alongside Academy graduate Ben Chilwell, who has been a source of inspiration for the Leicester No.7.
Gray said of Chilwell’s progression: “It’s good to see. Obviously, we got called up at the same time and I didn’t make my appearance at that point – he did and he got called up again because of an injury.
“These things happen, but you can see Ben has took it in his stride, he’s been given the opportunity and he’s took it very well, he’s done well.
“He should be proud of himself, it suits him and it all comes from club football. He’s been one of our more consistent players and most improved players, so I think he deserves it.”