After cocking up a game we should have won on Wednesday, this one feels all the more important – especially against a side who we could leapfrog in the league with a win but could go FIVE points behind with a defeat.
Results have been mixed for us today too. Swansea getting another great result with a point at Leicester, Brighton beating West Ham (although that does keep Moyes’ men well and truly in the mix) and Southampton beating West Brom (however that result means we could go SEVEN points clear of Pardew with a win tomorrow..).
At the end of the day, we can look at other results as much as we like, but ultimately it all depends on us. Palace have been much improved under Hodgson and have some dangerous in their side (Zaha being by far the most threatening one), but these are the sort of games that could define our destiny this season.
Given some results today, our lack of ‘winnable’ fixtures to come and the prospect of facing Man Utd next, this is a game we really need to be taking points from.
Three points would be HUGE and perhaps even bigger than recent away wins at Stoke and West Ham in the circumstances. Both of those recent away victories should give us real confidence, as should the fact that a win would send us up to 12th! I’m getting greedy now, but winning by more than 1 would see us up to 11th, leapfrogging Watford, showing just how tight it all is in the bottom half of the table this season.
The Team I’d like to see start
It’s highly unlikely, but Rafa has confirmed that Slimani’s injury isn’t as bad as initially suggested and he’s been in training yesterday. He’ll most likely start on the bench, but it would be a huge boost to have him in from the off – especially given Joselu and Gayle’s current form.
Regardless of who starts up top, I’d have Kenedy and Murphy on the wings. The former was one of the best players on the pitch on Wednesday and the latter has been our top performing winger in recent weeks and deserves a run in the team. Ritchie and Atsu need to pull their finger out to earn a start in my opinion. Atsu was very poor against Burnley and offered next to nothing. He’s been good in spells this season, but there can be no passengers allowed at this stage.
Merino and Diame deserve another shot at it in midfield, however I think Shelvey will come in for Merino if I had to guess (two games in just over 4 days).
At the back it’s as you’d expect. I have little faith in Yedlin given Palace’s threats out wide, however I have even less faith in Manquillo.
The Opposition
Ones to watch..
Wilfried Zaha – The most obvious one and one of the best players outside the top 6 for me. He’s their match winner and an explosive talent who is so hard to keep quite. Stopping him will be the key tomorrow – especially with Sako and Townsend set to miss out.
Christian Benteke – Hasn’t been at his best this season but is a real handful in the air. I would fancy Clark against him in an aerial duel, so hope Lascelles can do a job on him tomorrow.
Mamadou Sakho – Their best defender and a player who could return to their back line after a spell out. He’s unpredictable and unconventional in his style, but he’s a big player for them when fit. Joselu had little joy against him in the air at St James’ (and that’s one thing he actually is good at).
For an inside look into today’s opponents, take a look at this week’s edition of the ‘Opposition Opinion’ which can be found on the home page. A great insight into tomorrow’s opponents from a Palace fan.
Form
Newcastle – 16th (24 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 1 / Drawn: 3 / Lost: 1
Burnley – 15th (26 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 2 / Drawn: 2 / Lost: 1
Team news
Rafa has hinted that both Slimani and Dubravka could make the squad after training this week, however it’s unlikely either start.
Aside from Gamez (who seems to be constantly AWOL/injured at NUFC), it seems we’re pretty much full fit.
Former Mag Townsend could miss out, however Bakary Sako, Schlupp, Dann, Loftus-Cheek, Puncheon and Wickham.
Predicted Line-ups
Predicted NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1) – Darlow – Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett – Diame, Shelvey – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy– Gayle
Predicted Palace XI – (4-3-3) – Hennessey – Fosu-Mensah, Tomkins, Sako, Van Aanholt – Cabaye, Milivoyevic, McCarthur – Townsend, Benteke, Zaha.
Match Prediction
Pre-Burnley I said my head expected a draw and my heart a win. For this one my head’s telling me we might struggle, but as I alluded to above, stopping Wilfried Zaha will be massive. On our side, it’s also important (for me) that Rafa makes some positive changes. We were good against Burnley and deserved to win, but Murphy and Slimani (if fit) could give us a real boost.
If we can deal with Benteke’s aerial threat, keep Zaha quiet and pack more of a punch in attack (Slimani, Murphy and Kenedy could help with that no end) then I don’t see why we couldn’t win, however I expect another draw.
Wouldn’t be the worst result in the world, but wins really are gold dust at this stage – especially when we face Man Utd next weekend.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle
Howay the lads!
Think I might put a bet on Zaha getting a pen .
kimtoon(Quote)
Ha, Ha. It makes me happy when Big Fat Sam takes it up the ****.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
These commentators drive me insane. The one on now just said “here’s an interesting fact, Everton have never lost a premier league game against Arsenal in February”.
No it’s not interesting. It is the opposite. It is boring!!!
It is about as interesting as me sticking my size 11 boot up your ****, you ********.
It is about as interesting as learning that Huddersfield’s 1928 team won at Old Trafford. Another gem fro a commentator today. Who the fck cares what Huddersfield did in 1928?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Big Fat Sam. You ****.
4 nil.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Where is Rooney? Can’t he come on a save the day? Keown and Carra would surely think so.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Arsenal on fire here. Everton will need to do a Toon now… ??
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Eric, re Ben El Mhani from last post, he’s not named in the list of 50 odd younger players either. I never saw any transfer to Anorher team in the round up of transfers either. Oh well. Another one bites the dust.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Everton have not lost any of Arsene Wenger’s 21 home games against Everton. Thanks for that Mr. Commentator. Who cares? Paul Merson was probably playing back then so it has no bearing on today’s game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They have these A4 pads with their “facts” on them and just need to let the world know. Let the FACTS out! To tell you **** you would never, ever want to know. In 1934, Dixie Dean was the top scorer in the old 1st division. And never played for Arsenal. And his Dad wore a flat cap like those ones in the Lawry hotel pictures where Jose Mourinho has the penthouse. Although that’s Manchester and not Liverpool which is exactly 34 miles away as the crow flies. And they had Beatles there but it was connected by a ship canal I think if my A4 pad is correct.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We just need to avoid defeat tomorrow. A win would be perfect but a draw away from home against a team close to you isn’t too bad.
Stuart79(Quote)
Aye a draw wouldn’t be the end of the world but a win preferable .
kimtoon(Quote)
We have won twice in 16 games. We need to step up.
Looking forward to seeing what these new signings can do for the shape and effectiveness of the team.
shamrock(Quote)
Yes, Sham you’re right. What I would say is this. West Ham and Swansea have been on unbeaten runs of 6/7 games and they’re still down at the bottom end. It goes without saying that due to the lack of quality in their teams they will have a bad time again. Palace have been the same. They had a unbeaten run of 9 games or so and yet they’re still down there. A bad run for these teams will see them relegated. I’d like to think we’ve had our bad run… 😕
Stuart79(Quote)
I hope so Stu!
shamrock(Quote)
I have to admit I feel we might end up with nothing today. Palace at home are a dangerous side. Zaha will no doubt get a penalty for falling over a strand of grass. One positive is our results against the bottom teams. Must keep it going.
Stuart79(Quote)
Watched MOTD last night. How big of a bullet did we dodge not getting Mangala in there mind?!?!?!! ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mangala to the Toon only happened in feverish minds. He’s ****. Not as **** as Joselu but still ****.
georgio(Quote)
Yep, I said the same Georgio when the link first came up. I was keeping everything crossed it was press ****.
Gonna be very hard game as will all of them, my only hope is the fact we fair better away from home and our away support don’t tend to get on the players backs like they do at home.
SJP is becoming a pressure cooker for some of our lads I feel. When you have 52,000 scrutinising your every move and mistake there is no hiding place and it takes enormous mental strength to keep your head up and carry on. Joselu’s penalty was awful but to be fair to the lad he didn’t hide he kept on going, you can’t ask for more. I was thinking that maybe if he was behind Slimani he might be more effective ? his hold up play isn’t too bad and he could maybe be the answer.
I also think that Perez and Slimani as a two up top could be fruitful .
kimtoon(Quote)
Michael Martin
@tfMichael1892
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@SkySportsNews were invited to last night’s forum. They would have had access to almost 200 #NUFC fans, key journalists who’ve covered the club for decades, the Supporters Trust and the club’s leading fanzine. Didn’t show up. There was a time we couldn’t get them off the phone.
kimtoon(Quote)
NOT a new thread
This week’s ‘opposition opinion’ – a decent read from a Palace fan
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2018/02/04/the-opposition-opinion-crystal-palace-a/
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Have to assume the new keeper will start today. Why else buy him? Hopefully Slimani is fit enough to be on the bench too.
Stuart79(Quote)
If you had asked me at the beginning of the season who our 2 most important players would be I would have said Shelvey and Ritchie. Neither are in Olly’s team. Remember that Lacelles though captain was not really guaranteed to start and I think he was left out of the side that played Spurs when we were relegated. In favour of Steven Taylor who was let go by an MLS side and last seen in the 4th division.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Slimani not in squad. New keeper on bench. 2-1 toon win gayle firstt goal
Davetoon(Quote)
Also no joselu in squad
Davetoon(Quote)
We are small up top – a bit like my ex-girlfriend. Gayle, Perez and Ritchie won’t be winning many headers.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Fk me we look nervy so far.
shamrock(Quote)
HWTL
kimtoon(Quote)
Zaha struggling with thigh. Fingers crossed.
shamrock(Quote)
Andros Townsend has had a hair transplant. Take a look. He used to have a receding hairline.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We are settling into it a bit better now. Some sloppy mistakes but Diame looking smart.
shamrock(Quote)
Fk me. Well done Darlow.
Lascelles dropped us in it there.
shamrock(Quote)
What the hell is going on with our central defenders? Clark has been **** lately and I thought he might have been dropped or we would move to 3 central defenders.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We’d actually started very well. But I am concerned about the front 3 of Benteke, Zaha and Townsend. With Cabaye behind them it’s a good attack.
We will need to take our chances as there won’t be many.
Stuart79(Quote)
Kenedy is winning everything so far.
shamrock(Quote)
Ooh close. Nice play.
shamrock(Quote)
I have to say, Matt Ritchie has been poor for a while. I don’t know why Murphy isn’t playing.
Stuart79(Quote)
Get in.
shamrock(Quote)
Get in the *******!
Stuart79(Quote)
Where has this version of Diame come from? He is suddenly class.
shamrock(Quote)
Who is this Diame guy? He seems rejuvenated.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I hope we can hold on to this lead u like most other games…
Stuart79(Quote)
Snap, Shamrock !
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And yes – who has taken Diame and replaced him with this guy…?
Stuart79(Quote)
Get in , nearly choked on me roaster then
kimtoon(Quote)
I want us to get Kenedy on a permanent deal. He is clearly by far our best winger already.
shamrock(Quote)
I do think Palace will score though. 😡
Stuart79(Quote)
I reckon Palace has messed up by puttung Zaha up front in the middle. He needs to cut in from out wide, with momentum behind him.
shamrock(Quote)
Really, who is this Diame? He is running around like Patrick Viera.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
How the hell has he missed that…
Stuart79(Quote)
Diame is a machine today.
Kenedy is solid and skillful.
Perez is doing a good job closimg down.
Shelvey is looking very sensible today and knitting it together.
Ritchie is industrious but lacking in brain speed.
Yedlin – meh.
Central defenders getting carved open repeatedly.
Dummett looking reasonably solid.
Darlow doing well so far.
shamrock(Quote)
Ooh so to a 2nd! Good game this.
shamrock(Quote)
That was unlucky for Dave Gehan there.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We will win this game if we counter well. Palace already committing a lot forward and we will have space. Can we take the chance?
Stuart79(Quote)
Well done Dummy. Having a good game
shamrock(Quote)
This is a typical away perform be from us. We play well but don’t take our chances and it costs us in the end.
Stuart79(Quote)
Well taken Darlow.
shamrock(Quote)
When did Darrow start working for Dyno Rod?
Stuart79(Quote)
Ooh fk that was close.
shamrock(Quote)
Need half one here. They’re finishing strong but Palace will need to make a change here if that’s Kelly’s hammy gone
Stuart79(Quote)
Palace should have scored three in the last five mins
Stuart79(Quote)
Right Toon everything through Martin Kelly please.
shamrock(Quote)
Darlow is having a good game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Good we like forced changes on the opposition.
shamrock(Quote)
Wtf was that.
shamrock(Quote)
Gayles useless too imo.
Stuart79(Quote)
Good open half but we are doing ok here. Certainly prefer this to ultra defensive mode.
shamrock(Quote)
It just pisses me off, Sham, that we just don’t take enough chances. It’s following a common path this performance
Stuart79(Quote)
They did not either. I have to say lucky us.
funrafa(Quote)
The stupor bowl is on later (14 minutes of action, 3 hours of ads). Tipping a giant bucket of Gatorade on the winning coach has to be the stupidest tradition in all of sports.
Even worse than playing the national anthem before every baseball game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Showing the stats. We have 53% possession and 6 shots. Not bad for an away game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Diame was totally unmarked for his goal.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That’s right but playing at home you’d expect them to create those chances. We always seem to create decent chances away but rarely take them.
Obviously delighted to be winning but I have thoughts of Southampton, Man Utd and Chelsea when we took the lead and missed chances to increase that lead and regretted it.
Let’s hope Palace are as profligate this half too.
Stuart79(Quote)
Hate these Sunday games as I work Sundays. Missed first 10 mins but looking good so far. Diame is excellent again, long may this continue.
Palace look really dangerous though and they will take some of these chances. We need at least another goal in this match or we will suffer again.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Yeah Ritchie could have done better with 2 clear chances today.
shamrock(Quote)
Will be a long half this
Stuart79(Quote)