For something a bit different this week I have asked Stephen from http://fiveyearplanfanzine.co.uk/ to answer some questions about the game and the season so far. You can read my answers to his questions here.
How have you been enjoying the Eagles’ season so far, are you where you expect to be in the table?
Of course, we’ve had a terrific season so far on the whole – though one, it seems, that is slowly grinding to a halt. But we can certainly look back and be proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’re in our safest league position for two seasons and we’re on both firm financial footing and seemed to have consolidated our place in the Championship. There was that magnificent cup run that ended on a dreary night in Cardiff, but we got to best the Premier League title holders at Old Trafford along the way. Not to mention being the first team in the league to beat our bitter rivals Brighton at their shiny new stadium – so a pretty good season, all in all.
How do you rate the Championship as a competition?
Having been a fan of a club that’s called the Championship home for a number of seasons now I can tell you with experience that it’s an incredibly competitive, tough league to play in. Anyone can beat anyone, in any given match and it’s that excitement I think that makes football worthwhile – though I’m not saying I wouldn’t appreciate a venture into the Premiership.
We’re getting to that stage in the season now – three up, three down?
There’s been a lot of shifting about at the top of the table of late, but for me Southampton and Reading will go up in the automatic spots; whilst I reckon West Ham will probably hoof their way into the top division through the play-off final.
I think we’ll certainly see Doncaster and Portsmouth drop down a level, but that third spot is a tough one. If Bristol can turn more of those draws into wins I think they’ll see themselves safe. Millwall could still be pulled right back into it yet.
Who should we be wary of in the Palace team?
Wilfried Zaha, Jon Williams and Nathaniel Clyne; three great academy products that any team should be wary of when they’re on the field. Of course Darren Ambrose is capable of a moment of magic, but he’s struggling at present to make the starting XI.
I’d be most weary of Jermaine Easter – at this time of year the headlines just write themselves.
Who will you be looking out for in the Birmingham squad?
As you mentioned before, Chris Burke with his impressive record this season will be a major problem for us – particularly considering we’re missing a fit left-sided centre back so have of late been fielding Dean Moxey, a left back by trade, in that unfamiliar position.
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