With the mood amongst both fan bases close to the floor, Palace head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
I spoke to Chelsea season ticket holder James Denselow to see where they were at…
Q – James, how are things as a Chelsea fan at the moment? Potter seems to be under pressure, and there was some pointed chanting in favour of Tuchel at the weekend. Is it still all behind the ‘project?’ or…?
JD – Clearly, Chelsea fans patience is being strained by the complete collapse of form over the past few months. Whilst all were aware of the need and likelihood for a transition post the Abramovich era – it is not entirely clear what the project is.
The transfer policy seems scattergun and team selection unpredictable with the caveat that we’ve had a serious injury crisis (but even then, questions as to why – e.g. was James rushed back too quickly etc.) The worry is that Potter is out of his depth but the success of other unproven managers in the division shows the value of time.
Q – What’s the current, realistic ambition – top 4?
JD – Top 4 is out of reach considering the form of the team and the level of competition for it this year
Q – Ouch. Okay, who’s been your player of the first half of the season? Who might be a difference maker in the second half of the season?
JD – In terms of player of the first half of the season – Tiago Silva – but that reflects the pressure the defence has been under. A difference maker – one of January signings? A fit again James? An in form again Mount?
Q – How do you think the World Cup break is affecting you/will affect the rest of your season?
JD – Hard to tell – we were rubbish before and after.
Q -If you had a magic wand – who would you be getting in this window?
JD – Frenkie de Jong
Q -What’s your perspective on Palace from our first match or from the season more broadly?
JD – Always lucky to score a last-minute winner
Q – Where do you think the match will be won and lost?
JD – Midfield and it’s anyone’s guess who is fit and able to play in Chelsea’s
Q – Anything else ?
JD – Perhaps more important than who Chelsea buy is who they sell – lots of players in the club who seem ready to move on and should be allowed to.
Cheers James, here’s hoping the season picks up for both of us (but yours only after this weekend!)
