A trip to Premier League champions Leicester City is next up for the Eagles so we took the opportunity to catch up with friend of TEB and Foxes fan Jim Knight.
Q. What were your hopes and dreams for the new season before a ball was kicked?
I’m not sure many Leicester fans had many dreams left after last season to be honest. I still don’t think it feels real that we actually won the bloody thing. Most people would have said a season of consolidation in the Premier League, I’d imagine. Then put our all into the Champions League.
Q. Was it a successful transfer window for the club or are there areas that still need improving?
I’d say it was a six out of ten transfer window. We did keep a lot of our big name players who were linked away and the signings of Islam Slimani and to a lesser extent Ahmed Musa were encouraging to show that we’re not afraid to spend. Losing Kante and not replacing him plus a lack of cover at centre back is still a big concern though, especially with European football to contend with.
Q. Is the departure of Kante to Chelsea the sole reason why you look more vulnerable than last season?
It’s certainly a huge part of it. Kante did so much work that, for the most part, went unnoticed until close to the end of the season. It was like having twelve men out there, he was absolutely everywhere and he gave others the confidence to excel in more attacking roles. It’s a real shame that he didn’t stick around for one more season before his big money move. That said, our defensive standards have slipped, perhaps it’s the new set pieces laws, maybe it’s complacency, I’d imagine a little of both.
Q. It is hard to comprehend after your efforts last season but is there a view that retaining the title will be a thankless task?
I think so, last season really was the perfect storm for us and we did fantastically well to take advantage but we’re certainly not one of the Premier League’s elite clubs. Some fans don’t understand the decision to prioritise the Champions League but it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us.
Q. Dare we ask your views on the rule changes going into this new Premier League season?
I think they had to be made, the grappling in the box was getting to farcical levels but I think all officials need to take it on, not for it just to be a one man show for celebrity referee Mike Dean.
Q. It is looking difficult for an un-fancied team breaking into the top six this season but if you were to pick one, who would it be?
Probably tougher this season than ever before. The ‘big’ teams have all spent big, some have brought in new managers and the wage bill usually does dictate where you end up after thirty-eight games. I like the way Claude Puel has settled in at Southampton and Ronald Koeman is capable of taking Everton into Europe too.
Q. Perhaps you could share your views on Palace as a club, how we did last season and our start to this season?
I think the vast majority of teams admire the atmosphere at Selhurst Park, that’s the major thing for me. Our success has seen the King Power rocking over the last year but you’re guaranteed plenty of vocal support at Palace games.
With Alan Pardew it really does tend to be a case of feast or famine and there’s certainly been plenty of both in the previous twelve months or so. Fortunately, the good times usually offset the bad ones but it must be frustrating when you’re going through one of those slumps knowing that you’re capable of much better.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about?
Islam Slimani for the Foxes. The Algerian frontman has hit the ground running and his ability in the air gives our attack something very different to what we had last season. He’s proved himself at a very good level and we’re excited about what he can do over the course of a full campaign.
Christian Benteke is the main concern for me. Given how ropey we look at set pieces, especially on the road, it’s a scary prospect that the big Belgian could run riot from corners and free kicks if given the opportunity.
Q. Prediction?
We could do with at least a point given how we’ve fared so far! I’ll go for an entertaining 2-2 draw given that there’s no Champions League to worry about next week.
Q. Please tell us a little more about any projects you are working on.
I’m Gaming Content Manager for PERFORM so I oversee betting content on Goal and there’s also a free weekly Soccerway betting guide that I’ve been working on. It’s free and is designed for those who love to dig into the statistics behind the upcoming games so feel free to have a read.
