Opposition View: Crystal Palace
The Swans’ take a trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday to face Crystal Palace. Paul Clement’s side will be looking to build on their midweek Carabao Cup victory over MK Dons and go into the international break on a high.
We spoke to CPFCHQ ahead of the game to see what their thoughts are.
Last Summer saw Sam Allardyce replaced by Frank de Boer. Were fans disappointed to see Big Sam go? And are they happy with his successor?
We were definitely shocked and disappointed to see Sam ‘retire’. Our form since he took over was top half form and his track record in the transfer market was a cause for optimism. de Boer’s appointment is interesting, it’s a sign that we are at least trying to challenge for places higher up the league, rather than to merely survive year on year.
We finished level on points last season after both fighting relegation. Do you expect yourselves to be under similar circumstances at the end of the season?
Our early form will have people thinking that we are in for another struggle, but I think once the players really understand de Boer’s new system, we will start to see results. With a squad like ours, we really shouldn’t be even discussing relegation, but for some reason or another, we keep having to!
You haven’t been overly active in the transfer window as of yet. What are your thoughts on your business so far? Where do you need to improve?
Yes, we’ve had a very quiet start to the summer, reports suggest that Steve Parish is one of the only owners in the league who want to operate within the FFP regulations, and having spent circa £90m last season, we may have to sell a few before bringing some in. We are in desperate need of a goalkeeper, I’m sure Wayne Hennessey would love to move back to Wales (please take him), a centre back and a second striker. We also need a wing-back and an out-and-out winger, but that’s getting greedy.
What are your thoughts on Swansea’s transfer business so far?
This is a massive last week of the transfer window for Swansea, you’ve finally sold your talisman and you have to spend it wisely. The problem is, everyone knows you will have cash to burn and are at risk of getting forced to pay over-inflated fees. If I was a Swans’ fan, I’d be pleased if we signed Chadli and Bony but would be pretty horrified to see us spend £15m on Sam Clucas, if the reports are true.
We’re only two games in, but who’s impressed for you so far?
Our stand-out performers so far this season have been our two loanees, which says a lot. Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Manchester United has the composure and physicality of a seasoned pro despite only being 19-years-old whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea has been the real star. He’s athletic, intelligent and good on the ball and has been running our midfield. If he continues playing in this manner, I’d be stunned if he’s not in the England World Cup squad.
Are there any Swansea players who you’ll be particularly wary of on Saturday?
Alfie Mawson is a great player at the back and I still get a bit wary from corners and crosses, so I hope we keep him quiet at our end and busy at the other. Tammy Abraham looks to be amongst the chances without actually scored in the Premier League just yet, (I know he scored in the Carabao Cup) he’s bound to take a chance soon. Finally, in typical Crystal Palace fashion, it seems that your star player, Fernando Llorente, will be back in some capacity for our game. With 15 goals last term, we’d be foolish to not be wary.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
We are in dire need of a win to boost the place, but Swansea seem a side we rarely beat. Frankly, it’d be a disaster if we lost. 1-1 draw (Benteke and Mawson).
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