Palace are back in action following the last ever October international break and host in-form Bournemouth at Selhurst. We caught up with Simon from Talking Cherries to find out more about our opponents, their season so far and more.
TEB: Overall, how would you rate last season for Bournemouth?
TC: Positive progression at the end of the day. We suffered with injuries throughout the season and the players who came in when it was really tough, just ran out of energy. The statistics indicate Bournemouth should have finished higher but at the end of the day squad depth was an issue.
TEB: The summer transfer window turned out to be busy for the club. What are your thoughts on the business?
TC: Fantastic. We kept all of our attacking talent bar selling Dango Ouattara for a big fee and it turns out he’s been playing in the reserves at Brentford.
Defensively we lost four of the back five, three of which commanded very good price tags. The squad was trimmed of high earners and some fringe players were moved on. The additions of Amine Adli, Ben Doak, Adrien Truffert and Veljko Milosavljević made our business a net positive along with some money leftover in the bank.
Antoine Semenyo signing on for an extended contract added to the good feelings along with others. We are waiting for Marcos Senesi and of course Andoni Iraola to do the same.
TEB: It’s been a very strong start to this campaign, what are your thoughts so far?
TC: Amazing. Competitive in every game and still room for improvement so there is more to come from this Bournemouth side. Breaking down low blocks and perhaps gambling a little more on our attacking threats in matches could be key for us reaching the next level this season.
TEB: Andoni Iraola has proved to be a fantastic appointment for Bournemouth. Just how good of a manager is he?
TC: He’s still learning and adapting I would say. Tactical changes to chase games have always been good on the whole and little amendments during matches this season are also working so far. Personal upgrades have further added to his options. Hoping for ten more years!
TEB: Are there any wildcards at Bournemouth that you feel will step up and make an impact this season?
TC: A few other fans have been pleasantly surprised by Senesi and Brooks so far but their good performances are not a shock to anyone who has watched them at their peak. It’s magnificent to see Brooksy almost back to his best. However, a surprise upgrade on his predecessor, certainly in terms of levels and all round potential would be Truffert followed closely by Alex Scott.
TEB: What are your thoughts on Palace and how do you feel we will fare in this campaign?
TC: Similar to Bournemouth. The European challenge for Palace this season may however impact league competitiveness. Adam Wharton is a fantastic player, along with Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta close behind. Defensively solid and more to come from your current side.
TEB: Ambitions for the season?
TC: Qualifying for Europe might be possible this year but the priority would be a trophy, especially the FA Cup following Palace’s triumph last season. Maybe we could beat Brighton in the final and put smiles on all our faces!
TEB: Is there a weak link in the Bournemouth line up that Palace should be looking to exploit this weekend?
TC: Individual player wise, no. However, if Palace set up with five in midfield then perhaps we will struggle more. Who Bournemouth play at right back will be interesting.
TEB: Expectations for the game including final score prediction?
TC: After last season’s drab draw (it was) we could see something similar but I’d like both teams to have a proper go if they want to maintain being in the mix around the top of the table. I think we can win, so I’m going for 2-1 Bournemouth.
