Ahead of our match against Burnley at the weekend I thought I’d say hello to our opposition on the Vitalfootball network.
So with thank to turfmanphil from Vital Burnley
1) Is the season going as you expected and what has been the highlight and lowlight so far?
Getting the double over local rivals Preston after beating them 2-1 at Deepdale on Saturday is right up there!
Biggest disappointment was losing at home to Scunthorpe but at least that was the final nail in the coffin for Brian Laws.
Had we had Eddie Howe in charge from beginning of season we could have been a strong contender for automatic promotion by now. Clarets fans felt we would be up there after a season in the top flight but if the Board after losing Coyle show no ambition and only pay peanuts for an average manager they only have themselves to blame.
Nobody wanted Laws anyway although most fans gave him a chance. All Clarets fans feel a buzz now though under Howe and certainly we are now on a roll and could make the play-offs at least (four points behind sixth placed Leeds, two games in hand both at home)
2) Any January deals that we might not be aware of, but should look out for?
We only brought in two. Striker, Charlie Austin from Swindon and midfielder, Marvin Bartley from Bournemouth.
Both have yet to make an impression but once Austin scores his first goal, his confidence will soar. Bartley only played a cameo role off bench so far.
3) Are you expecting to take 3 points this time, or would you settle for another scoreless draw?
A home draw would be a terrible disappointment after a sudden improvement in our away form. We have to maintain the momentum and keep up the pressure on the seven clubs above us if we are to realise our promotion dreams and get back to the top flight at our first attempt.
4) Where do you see your current weaknesses? Any clues will be greatly welcomed 🙂
Our problem has been inconsistency especially in the back four but at the moment our defence is holding firm. You could catch us out on the break though.
Midfield sometimes looks laboured but if we are at the top of our passing game, I suspect we could be too strong for you.
Lee Grant in goal has been disappointing recently and tends to parry the ball too often into dangerous positions. Many fans are calling for the return of Jensen.
5) Who will be your key dangerman?
Jack Cork, on loan from Chelsea is a cut above the rest. He has true class!
Local boy, Jay Rodriguez is coming on leaps and bounds as a striker or as a wideman and of course has just been rewarded with his first England Under 21 cap.
Our Eagles, rather than yours, i.e Chris is also on his day unplayable and he could run rings round your defence.
6) Do you believe Palace should be worried about our position in the table, or do you feel we will pull up the table and survive?
I didn`t think you were that bad this season when we played you at Selhurst Park and I have seen far worse teams. We did dominate the game though and the woodwork was on your side.
You seem to have a bit of a cushion now compared to bottom three and I think you will survive although it won`t be easy in this league. Any team that can string a few back-to-back wins together and go on a bit of a run can soon be propelled up the table.
You just need consistency.
7) Are you expecting a different challenge now Freedman is at the helm?
I have to say I am not too sure what to expect. I have not seen many match highlights of your games under the new manager.
I expect it will be a tough game though. There are no givens in this league and anybody can beat anybody else on the day.
8) If you could take one of our players, who would it be and why?
I have always been impressed with your keeper, Speroni. He certainly saved your bacon in our match earlier in the season.
Just worried at the moment about our keeper situation with Grant looking error prone and Jensen getting long in the tooth.
9) Who do you see as our main threat?
Any one of your leading goal scorers- Danns, Vaughan or Ambrose.
10) Where would you say our current weaknesses are in terms of how you will approach the match?
You seem somewhat leaky in defence often conceding at least 3 goals without reply especially on the road. We could punish you in a similar way if we are at the top of our game.
11) Finally, a prediction please…
Fighting for survival could mean you score at least. We are playing with such confidence though at the moment and I just think we will be too strong for you especially if we score first.
3-1 to the Clarets, sorry!!
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With thanks to turfmanphil!