Well, after the disappointment of Boxing Day at Selhurst, the Eagles head South for a match-up with Bournemouth.
To see how Bournmouth fans are feeling, I got the inside track from Tom Jordan of the AFCBPodcast.
Q – So Tom, before it completely fades into the distance, what is your abiding memory of the World Cup?
TJ – From an England perspective it’s again ‘What if’ after fine margins cost us once more. In general I think it’s fair to say this was the World Cup that Messi cemented his place as the greatest.
Q – Back to the Cherries, what’s your perspective on the season so far? Are you positive, negative or indifferent about where you are at?
TJ – In terms of Bournemouth, I am content with how things currently sit. We’re above the dreaded relegation line and have shown we have more than enough to stay up. I’m positive with the new owners coming in, we can strengthen where needed in January and achieve our goal of safety. In terms of the manager, Gary O’Neil was given the permanent job after what was a fairly successful time in temporary charge. Can’t speak for all fans, but I certainly felt as if Gary steadied the ship well, but enough to get it permanently? I’m not convinced as of yet. One win in seven league games is somewhat concerning.
Q – What’s the ambition for the season? Is it entirely about avoiding relegation?
TJ – Yes. Our target is 100% safety. That is the aim and we can build from that.
Q – Who has been your player of the season so far?
TJ – Can’t say we have an obvious player of the season so far, but both Dom Solanke and Chris Mepham have been two of the most consistent performers for us. Marcus Tavernier has been a really good addition too, but has sadly picked up a bad injury.
Q- If you had a magic wand who would you be signing in January?
TJ – I think we’ll try and strengthen a few areas in January, preferably I’d like to add some goals from wide areas. Danjuma returning after we let him go to Villareal would be special but perhaps unrealistic – it is a magic wand… So Danjuma it is!
Q- What’s your perspective on Palace this season?
TJ – Palace is a weird one. I always feel as if they play good football, Vieira rightly getting plaudits, then you look at the league table and it’s perhaps not as pretty as it seems. Would expect anywhere between 9th and 14th I think (Sounds about right to us too!)
Q – To the game, where will it be won or lost?
TJ – This game in isolation feels a big one for both sides, we need to be winning these sort of games at home, and Palace need to make sure they’re not ‘looking over the shoulder’ too much. Clear that we need to keep Zaha quiet, but the fact Palace have a few suspensions at the back may mean Solanke and Moore can flourish. It will be a tight game undoubtedly, but I’m going to predict we nick this one.
Cheers Tom, let’s hope your wishes don’t all come true come kick off!
