Opposition View: Crystal Palace

The latest installment of the Brighton and Hove Albion v Crystal Palace rivalry takes place at Selhurst Park as the Albion go looking to complete a league double over Palace for the first time in living memory.

That opportunity exists because of the sensational 3-1 victory that Chris Hughton’s men delivered back in December. Goals from Glenn Murray, Leon Balogun with his first touch and Florin Andone delivered three points for the Seagulls despite the fact that they had to play for over an hour with 10 men after Shane Duffy’s dismissal.

As good as Brighton were that day, Palace were woeful. They surely cannot play as poorly again this time around? In order to find out, we spoke to Jay from our fellow Football Blogging Awards nominees The Eagles Beak for his take on that night at the Amex, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Murray himself and why Palace have improved so markedly since the turn of the year.

What have you made of Palace’s season so far? You guys seem to have picked up since the Albion were brilliant 3-1 winners at Amex back in Decemebr?
It has all been rather a stereotypical Jekyll and Hyde kind of season as it has been difficult to know just what performance the side will put in week to week. I do not believe in all the suggestions that a club is too good to go down, which has been a concern when pundits and media say such about Palace for most of the season. Only now have we put in any kind of form, which to be honest has been coming for a while, that truly shows that there is enough about this side to get themselves away from trouble and on the fringes of the top ten.

Speaking of that previous meeting – and sorry, but we’re going to – what was your take on it?
Next question please! One word – disaster. It was an abysmal performance which can happen but almost unforgivable in a derby game. Such a range of emotions from going a goal down to then see the hosts lose a player and to then go in at the break three goals down! A crazy first half which the second 45 was never going to live up to. It looked more likely that you would add to the score before our late consolation. That loss hurt, and it was not just the fans that felt it which just adds to the match this weekend, if that is even possible!

What would represent a successful season for Palace from this point on?
Considering we have been flirty with the bottom three for most of the season without ever managing to pull away in a manner that gave us belief that we would not actually be involved, then probably staying up for a seventh consecutive season in the Premier League. However, now we are closer to the top ten than the bottom three, there is a real chance to push on and snatch a top ten finish. Add to that being within touching distance of an FA Cup semi final and a return to Wembley, things are looking rather more interesting all of a sudden.

Michy Batshuayi looks like a very good piece of business. Were you happy with your January transfer window and do you think a permanent deal for him could be in the offing?
His arrival at Selhurst Park late on deadline day was a real coup as we know we were not the only club interested in him. Yes, his form at Valencia was nothing to get excited about, but his time at Borussia Dortmund showed just what he is capable of and he has already had an impact on the side. It is no secret that we have struggled with strikers all season but with the addition of Michy, Christian Benteke now back fit and challenging for a starting spot and Jordan Ayew and Connor Wickham waiting in the wings, all of a sudden there are competition for places in the position. Playing Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend more advanced without a striker worked on occasions but nothing beats having an effective striker up top. In terms of signing Michy permanently, I think a lot will depend on the transfer ban imposed on Chelsea and the appeal that they have lodged since. He has already shown that he is a good fit at Palace and personally, enough for us to want the club to go out and get him in the summer. If there is a deal to be done, as Chelsea clearly do not want him, I hope we would be taking the lead.

While we’re talking transfers, tell us just how good Aaron Wan-Bissaka is and whether you’ll be able to hold onto him past this summer?
Every superlative to describe this incredible young man has already been used in what is his first full season in professional football. Remember, he made his debut during an injury crisis last season and has not looked back. Being good pals with Zaha, who clearly moved to United too soon in his career, it is possible that he will consider staying at Palace a little longer before moving on. Personally, I think another season with Palace at the very least will do his education the world of good but as a defender he already has that old head on young shoulders. Leading the way in successful tackles across Europe is no mean feat. He has been linked with most of the big six clubs in this country, along with a couple in Europe. We will face a challenge to keep him as he is hot property, particularly if Gareth Southgate names him in his next England squad as we are expecting. There is something quite special seeing a youngster graduate from the academy, particularly in the Premier League.

What can we expect from Palace at Selhurst on Saturday? You can’t be as poor as you were at the Amex again, surely?
There will be a reaction, you can guarantee that but Selhurst Park has been a real problem this season. Not for the want of trying though, you only have to look at some of the total shot statistics from some games we have lost this season. We are very effective away from home as teams come at us and with the pace and trickery in the side, breaking quickly is a real strength. At home, teams more often than not come and set up shop to thwart that, so they defend in numbers and a bit deeper which has worked more times than we would like. Two games spring to mind – the loss to Wolves at home and the goalless draw with Cardiff. The shot count from those games was ridiculous but we just could not find the net in either. I believe at the time of writing, our home form is the second worse in the division – thank goodness our away form is right up there among the best!

Glenn Murray has three goals in his last three games for Palace now. Still a hero of the Holmesdale Road end?
Yes, of course. It would take more than that to taint his legendary status. Just think, Palace signed him on a free from Brighton and he went on to score 30+ goals in the promotion season where his career was almost cruelly cut short in the play offs. Thankfully, it was not and he went on to score a number of important goals for us in the Premier League before a certain manager deemed him surplus to requirements. I never begrudged him leaving, he needed first team football at the age he was, but it was a bit of a wrench as he still had goals in him at this level.

Who do you think Palace’s man danger man will be on Saturday and which Albion player are you must worried about?
You may have noticed that Wilfried Zaha has found his best form of the season since his suspension and he really does have the bit between his teeth after excellent performances in the wins over Leicester and Burnley. I would be mad to say that he will not have a say in this game. For Brighton, we know what Glenn Murray can do but I have been impressed with Florin Andone, who scored that excellent third and killer goal at the Amex. Looks a tidy player that can score a goal or two so I see him as a threat should he start.

Finally, a prediction for what’s going to happen please?
Can anyone ever predict this derby? Quite unlikely when you look back over past encounters but there is no way I will be saying anything other than a Palace win, particularly as your away form has been your problem this season. The atmosphere at Selhurst will be electric and the players will respond, particularly those who played a part in the reverse fixture. Palace to win 2-0 but it will not be easy in the slightest.

Thanks to Jay for answering our questions. You can check out his musings on Palace at The Eagles Beak as well as following them TEB on Twitter.