Are Palace better than us?

[The Great Mass Debater]

Most of the predictions for the upcoming fixture I've seen talk about us as if we're Premier league newbies and are going to be the Premier League's whipping boys. Most pundits seem to have forgotten this is our 4th season in the Premier League in the last 5 seasons, and that Fer, Snoddy and Pilks aside, we have essentially the same squad, arguably better.

Palace have strengthened significantly since they came up. But are they really the established team and us the rookies when you look beyond technicalities?

Id be interested to see the Cumulitive 'Premier League minutes' statistics for the first elevens to see which team actually has more Premier League experience

 

[morty]

Yeah I think they are pretty strong, they have really come on over this transfer window.

But a bit of surprise on our side, their new players not quite gelled yet, I think they are very beatable.

 

[Scott]

I actually think palace could be an unsung force this season, made some very decent signings this window, however luckily us playing them early on in the season could give us an easy 3 points if they haven't gelled as a team properly

 

[KeiranShikari]

If their wingers are on form they'll be a scary looking opponent for any side and with the signing of Cabaye they should be able to mi it up a bit better this season. I think they do have a stronger squad than us, not light years ahead of us of course. I think there will be a lot of chances at both ends on Saturday so it might well come down to which keeper is best on the day.

 

[splutcho]

I think they are very beatable, but I also think they have better players than us and are deserving favourites to finish above us.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

I suppose it depends on whether we sign Quintero in time for Saturday... h34r:

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

If their wingers are on form they'll be a scary looking opponent for any side and with the signing of Cabaye they should be able to mi it up a bit better this season. I think they do have a stronger squad than us, not light years ahead of us of course. I think there will be a lot of chances at both ends on Saturday so it might well come down to which keeper is best on the day.

They do have some pretty tasty wide players...

 

[Indy_Bones]

Clearly, their wingers and to some extent their central midfielders are very much their strongest assets, but much like us I think defensively they're somewhat suspect and I really don't rate the majority of their strikers either for that matter.

I actually think that if we both had full strength sides (and we add an additional CB and STR) that we're playing to their best, I think we have the better overall team, but their counter-attacking ability from the wings and with balls through from Cabaye are VERY dangerous.

Thankfully, they'll not be at full strength for the opening game of the season, and I agree with R&W that they will probably surprise a number of teams this year, even if it's not enough to put them in the top half of the table.

 

[eatonparkboy]

You couldn't really get two more even clubs in certain respects and particularly as they have an ex Newcastle manager about to embark on his second season at the club and has started to spend their money and attract names such as Cabaye.

Both clubs are probably a bit to strong for the Championship but struggle to mount a long and lasting dynasty in the Prem. Similar ground capacity and to a certain extent, the only team in the area so likely to fill it.

Administration has done no long term damage obviously.

I don't think they are a better club. At the moment they are probably further up the starting grid than us but I think Pardew is a loose canon and they need to make a useful start or they could crumble as I don't think they are as tough as previous seasons meaning they are trying to play fast attacking football.

Personally I think this is an awful opener for us. I would have loved a big name at home and Palace do have a better record head to head in the last decade. It is one we could easily lose but our manager doesn't fit any mould so he could well send out a team that overruns them.

 

[the jarrold]

Yes I think so. Didn't they used to be a bit of a bogey team too years ago? Not that I believe in bogeys.

 

[Beauseant]

Good going forward but can be got at. Sako won't play and Wickham will probably been on the bench. Hopefully Tetts will halve Cabaye early and he'll go into his shell.

 

[Din]

On paper they're a fair bit better than us. They're certainly strong opening day opposition, particularly since Pardew came in and I'd certainly fancy them to finish above us this season, but if we're at our best on Saturday and take our chances then there's no reason why we can't beat them.

They're wingers certainly worry me. The prospect of Zaha and Bolasie against Whittaker and Toffolo is a bit of a scary one, add into the mix the likes of Puncheon and now Sako then they're very strong in that area.

 

[Canaryboy]

I think they are a bit better than us on paper, but they are certainly beatable and I'm sure we'll steal points off better teams this year.

Plus we really need to adopt a fortress mentality at Carrow Road, no teams will enjoy having to get on a long coach journey to Norfolk and we gained a reputation as a very difficult team to beat at Carrow Road under Lambert (and even Hughton).

 

[Canaryboy]

against Whittaker and Toffolo is a bit of a scary one

Brady will likely start the season at left back, won't he? 

 

[Indy_Bones]

Brady will likely start the season at left back, won't he? 

I'm not entirely sure about that if I'm honest.

I think Toffolo was very impressive in pre-season and could be in with an outside shout, I'd also suggest that AN might use Johnson at LB with Brady playing on the left of midfield instead.

 

[Din]

Brady will likely start the season at left back, won't he? 

I would've thought so, although it wouldn't surprise me if Toffolo started. 

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Id be very worried about BJ at left back. Pace isnt one of Brad's strengths and his robust style could lead to a number of fouls in important positions or even him getting sent off. Could be a tough debut for rookie full-back with their wingers, likewise does Brady really have the defensive qualities to do a better job?

Perhaps Whittaker (with Martin to RB - if thats allowed these days - or Wisdom) would be a sounder option - or even play Bassong there as an emergency and have Martin + Bennett/Turner/Wisdom fill in.

Plenty of options at least. If we cant guess the line-up hopefully Palace wont be able to

 

[Indy_Bones]

This was part of my concerns over the Brady signing TGMD, I don't think he's an out and out full back, but nor is he an out and out winger either, which means he's often more prone to defensive lapses than a player like say Garrido would be likely to make but he'll give us a more attacking edge in exchange (which may or may not be what we need at the time).

Perhaps this is why I'd rather champion Toffolo for the short term as he's not short on pace, seems very solid defensively and isn't afraid to help push up either, but the concern here is his lack of experience and general rawness at this level, but I'd argue that it's a better gamble to make than say playing Johnson or even Whittaker there.

 

[Canaryboy]

Brady has played left back for Hull in the Premier League, and for Ireland, so I'm sure he'll be able to do a job. 

I'm more worried about the possibility of Bakary Sako being brought on for the last 20 against a tired Whittaker (if we start him, rather than Wisdom). 

 

[KeiranShikari]

This was part of my concerns over the Brady signing TGMD, I don't think he's an out and out full back, but nor is he an out and out winger either,

He's an out and out winger that has done a reasonable job at wing back.