I am normally very optimistic no matter who we play but I really feel like a very bad beating is on the cards tonight. Absolutely dreading this game.

We are the worst in the division at scoring and defending corners.
Are close to top of the list at getting done on counter attack.

There is so much wrong at the moment that I can see a 4/5 nil hammering.

Johnstone

Munoz Andersen Richards Mitchell

Ayew Wharton Lerma Schlupp

Mateta Edouard

We have sod all midfield creativity available, so go 4-4-2, go direct to Mateta, and get Edouard around him. Try and get them on the break. If we even try taking a touch Gallagher/Fernandez/Caicedo will be all over the lack of ability on the ball we have.

I expect us to lose by the odd goal, but I also expect a battling performance. The classic Palace one where you play just well enough not to get a result e.g. the Liverpool game.

26th January 2010 - Enter Administration
2nd May 2010 - D-Day 1 - Survival at Hillsborough
1st June 2010 - D-Day 2 - Survival at Lloyds
7th June 2010 - CPFC2010 exchange contracts.

0 - 4 at least

This would certainly not quell the deep unrest of our supporters and there will be self-combusting with steam emitting from ears.
There will be calls for the removal of the manager, tuba-like voices booming with disgust.

I think you have chosen the team Roy is most likely to put out.

As for why Johnstone is not starting, Roy has clearly set out his stall on that.

As I recall, he said that the club have 2 quality keepers. The only reason Johnstone lost his place was because he was injured. Roy went on to say that he wouldn't swap and change his keepers for the sake of it and that the jersey was the incumbent's to lose, i.e., if his form fell off.

From my standpoint, Henderson had a very good first game (at the Etihad) but showed signs of weakness in the home Brighton game but got away with it. He has done OK since then but no more than that. The goals in the 3 recent games seem to have been mainly down to poor defending by those in front of him. However, he does seem weak when it comes to commanding the six-yard box and I do wonder whether the defenders in front of him have sufficient confidence in him. Just my opinion. Personally, I feel more comfortable watching Johnstone between the sticks.

I believe I mentioned on HOL when we acquired Henderson that he had a weakness when the ball is in the air and he is surrounded by players.

Edited by Willo (12 Feb 2024 12.06pm)