A reinvigorated Palace side head to North London to take on Angeball™ this weekend.
To see how Spurs fans are feeling now half a season into their own revival, I caught up with lifelong Spurs fan and FPL expert FPL Nicholson.
TEB – How is the season feeling for Spurs fans? Obviously you started with unbridled optimism with the first ten games, how are you feeling now?
FN – This season has simmered down to what we expected in pre-season. After last year, competing for Europe was top of the agenda. The first ten games really felt like we had our Tottenham back and for various reasons we haven’t hit those heights again this campaign. The cup runs were disappointing and there have been some drab performances in the last few months, but we’re in a good enough place right now for a push through to May.
TEB – So what’s the level of love for Ange right now? And the ambition for the season?
FN – I for one, am in love with Ange Postecoglou and I believe the vast majority of the Spurs fan base are too. Ange hasn’t been faultless this season, but the positive spirit and forthright intent he’s brought is much more aligned with Tottenham than Mourinho, Nuno or Conte ever could be. Given we only have the league now then the target is top four. A title challenge is out of reach unless the top three stumble spectacularly.
TEB – You made several ‘quiet’ signings over the summer, who has been the pick?
FN – We’ve done some abnormally great business in recent windows, with a lot of new signings succeeding due to time away on loan or being ideal fits for former players we had yet to replace properly – namely James Maddison for Christian Eriksen and Guglielmo Vicario for Hugo Lloris. So, picking one is difficult, but I will choose Micky van de Ven. He’s slotted into Premier League football seamlessly and suits Ange’s high-line style like a glove. We haven’t been great defensively this season, but I think a large part of that was losing him to a hamstring injury for two months.
TEB – Your overall star performer or unsung hero so far ?
FN – I feel Guglielmo Vicario has been both. With such a defensively risky style of play, he’s had to be called upon often, especially after losing van de Ven. Yes, we have conceded a lot and he does need to impose himself better on crosses sometimes, but he’s made some blinding saves and we’d be far worse off without him. His performance in our loss against Chelsea sticks in my mind. That horror show could have been much worse. Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski also deserve unsung hero mentions.
TEB – Who’s your current pantomime villain?
FN – Matty Cash has been popular this year after he re-injured Rodrigo Bentancur who returned from a lengthy absence. As has our old friend and current Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in a sort of Anakin Skywalker “you were supposed to help destroy the Sith, not join them” sort of way.
TEB – If you had a magic wand which player from Palace would you have in the Spurs team/squad?
FN – I’ve always been a big fan of Eberechi Eze.
TEB – How do you think you’ll line up/style of play?
FN – Ange doesn’t change much, if at all. It’ll be our usual 4-3-3 and (unfortunately for Palace) we don’t have many first team absences anymore with Porro and Destiny Udogie returning. Attacking mentality is always the remit too, but after defeat against Wolves we’ll have to be more proactive, creative and engaged. Palace should look to exploit our high line and our defensive set pieces, which have been very dodgy lately.
TEB – Views on Palace this season?
FN – I respect Roy Hodgson but it did feel like he was an unofficial caretaker manager to me. Not bad enough to go down, but not good enough to make an impact. Selhurst Park is one of my favourite away grounds and the atmosphere feels primed for high-tempo, in-your-face football. Seems Oliver Glasner will deliver more of that.
TEB – Prediction for the game?
FN – As stated, our loss to Wolves and general inconsistency before our two week break has lingered. Palace were good against Burnley but I’m confident of a bounce back, especially with Heung-Min Son fully refreshed again. 3-1 Tottenham.
TEB – Any Spurs (or non-Spurs) FPL hints and tips – is Richarlison still the one? Or should we now be backing Maddison again?
FN – Son and Richarlison are my top picks for the upcoming fixtures. Maddison still needs to get back up to speed a bit. Udogie is my cheeky differential choice.
TEB – Anything else?
FN – I’ve had a soft spot for Palace since I managed you on a FIFA 22 career mode. Won the FA Cup, League Cup, finished 7th and Odsonne Edouard scored 30 Premier League goals. Who says video games are unrealistic?
TEB – Thanks Mr N, here’s to a cracking 4-3 win (for Palace)….
