The ‘Opposition Opinion’ is back once again this week, with us getting the thoughts of Palace fan Elliot Sharpe ahead of our trip to Selhurst Park.
As ever, we are looking to bring you a view from the other side before this week’s game, interviewing an opposing fan to gain their opinions on NUFC, some insights into their own side and their thoughts on of our upcoming match.
This week we’ve been speaking to Arsenal fan Elliot Sharpe, with him having the following to say ahead of our trip to Selhurst Park:
Q1) What short of shape do you feel you guys are in coming into this game? Feeling confident?
“I can’t lie, I’m feeling very confident.
“I’ve watched you guys when you’ve been on Sky recently and you’ve never looked like scoring, where as we look anything but while we have Zaha on the field.
“Once concern is that our only two wins so far this season have came away from home, with us losing our two home games so far against Liverpool and Southampton – but I back us to sort that out on Saturday.
“With Zaha terrorising defence, Tomkins back to shore up our defence and new signings Ayew and Kouyate both impressing at Huddersfield last week, I’d say we’re in very good shape. The only way we could be better is if we had Max Meyer fit to start.”
Q2) Who are the strengths and weaknesses in your current side? Any ones to watch our for?
“You don’t really need me to say this, but Zaha is by far our most influential player. We barely ever win when he’s injured.
“You won’t be able to handle him..no one can! I know your full-back Yedlin is quick, but Zaha has power and the ability to think quickly to add to his blistering pace, not forgetting how skilful he is.
“Townsend also deserves a shout out. He’s no Zaha but his good work is often overshadowed by Wilf.
“As mentioned earlier, it’s great for us to have Tomkins back. We are normally very solid when both him and Sakho start at the back.
“With regards to the ‘one to watch’, it’d have to be Wan-Bissaka. He’s broke onto the scene recently and looks a top player no phased at all by Premier League football at senior level. He’ll be in the England team before long.”
“As far as weaknesses go, Benteke has been horrific for a long time now and never looks like scoring, but he’s out injured – unfortunately for you! Hennessey has a mistake in him too.”
Q3) Who do you see as the strengths and weaknesses in Newcastle’s side?
“Shelvey is by far your best player when he turns up. He’s got so much quality so I we can’t afford to give him too much time or space on the ball.
“Lascelles looks top notch and will surely be in the England squad soon, although I suspect he’d have rather come up against Benteke than dealing with Zaha in a central role!
“I’ve always liked Diame and think Kenedy has potential, but he looked absolutely awful when I saw you play Cardiff earlier in the season, so I’m hoping he has another shocker.
“Weaknesses. I know he’s quick, but I’ve never been sure about Yedlin. I can see Zaha and Van Anholt getting a lot of joy down his side.
“I really hope Joselu starts too. He looks clumsy and slow, so really hope Rafa starts him ahead of Rondon!”
Q4) What sort of game do you think it’ll be and how do you see it panning out? Score prediction?
“We normally play with a real intensity at home and will be gunning for our first home win of the season in this one.
“I expect you to sit deep, try and absorb the pressure and attempt to hit us on the break – although I can’t say I’ll be worried if the likes of Ritchie, Perez and Joselu are leading those breaks. Where’s the pace?!”
“I fancy us to win this one comfortably to be honest.
“2-0 Palace.”
Q5) How do you see both sides faring over the season? Predictions for rough league position?
“I think we’re going to have a decent season. We still lack a prolific striker, but we should have a good year. I fancy us to squeeze into the top 10. I’ll say 10th.
“From what I’ve seen of you so far, I think you’re in for a real struggle. You’ve got some decent players, but you look a bit flat this season and haven’t signed well. 16th for me.”
Q6) If you had to pick the best team you could from our two squads, what would it be? (be honest!)
“(4-3-3) – Dubravka – Wan Bissaka, Sakho, Lascelles, Van Anholt – Shelvey, Milivojevic, Diame – Townsend, Rondon, Zaha.
A big thanks to Elliot for taking some time this week to speak with us before this one!
Next up will be the thoughts of a Leicester fan ahead of next Saturday’s game at St James’ Park.
HWTL!
Can we have the views of a Palace fan, rather than an Arsenal one 😉
5 of our players in a combined team, showing we do have some decent players.
And they’re the spine – goalie, centre-half, 2 midfield, striker!
Cannot argue with his comments on The Hoss – though clumsy and slow are 2 of his stronger points 😯 😆
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