It’s time for some FA Cup fever with one of the best weekend’s in the football calendar as the third round takes place.
This season, the Eagles have been drawn at home to take on Stockport County, two teams who have not faced each much over the years and some time since the last meeting took place.
TEB – An exciting cup draw is the prospect facing Palace and Stockport in their first competitive meeting since January 2002. How are you feeling ahead of the tie?
SB – I think it’s fair to say that aside from the natural excitement/intrigue ahead of an FA Cup tie away at an established Premier League side, the feeling all around is probably one of a bit of wariness! It’s obviously a free hit from County’s perspective, but it’s not ideal timing in terms of injuries to the squad and absences etc. In terms of the occasion and the away day, really looking forward to it. The game itself, I’m not too sure yet!
TEB – From a neutral perspective, it has been a solid start to the season for Stockport. What are your thoughts on results so far as you sit 7th in League One?
SB – It has absolutely been a solid start back in League One, but there’s probably a feeling among the fans and maybe even the club that it could be so much more. County have dominated a number of games at this level but just not had that killer instinct or cutting edge to get a result. It’s a really tight league this season though, and more than anything, it’s a nice feeling to be back where the club belongs and tussling with some of the bigger boys.
TEB – Thoughts on the boss Dave Challinor? Is he the man to take Stockport forward?
SB – He absolutely is, and has shown that throughout his entire time. I really feel that once given the opportunity, he can manage in the Premier League. He sets a side up, generally, really well defensively, and has continued to learn and improve as a manager in certain areas where some maybe thought he was not as strong, like in-game management and substitutions having an impact etc.
His record speaks for itself. Two league titles and a play-off final penalty shootout defeat in three full seasons with County, and currently has the side in and around the League One play-offs in the fourth season. He really is an excellent manager and I think maybe will be only truly, truly appreciated by a small section of the fanbase once he’s moved on to another club one day.
TEB – As January is already upon us, what areas of the side do you feel need strengthening during the transfer window?
SB – A striker/attacker is the big one for me. Replacing Louie Barry’s goal contributions and overall threat is no easy task, but even in the small number of games without him so far, County have really struggled to break teams down as I touched on earlier. Fans will always have different opinions about different areas to strengthen, but the priority for me is certainly that final third.
TEB – Louie Barry was recently recalled by Aston Villa who appeared to have had a big impact during his time at Edgeley Park. Will he be a big miss?
SB – As above really, he is a huge miss and there’s no sugar-coating it. He was the joint top goal scorer in the division at the time of his recall to Villa, and was pretty comically well above the level in terms of his overall game. There are obviously always areas to improve on, especially for such a young player, but it was a joy to watch him in that first half of the season – and Stockport really do need to go out and find that x-factor that they’re now missing without him.
TEB – If you could sign one current player from Palace, who would it be and why?
SB – We’ve already had Dean Henderson on loan from Manchester United when we were back in the National League North, so I won’t say him! I think in terms of watching somebody play football, as well as adding the creative spark and final third product that I’ve touched on, it has to be Ebere Eze, doesn’t it? On top of his game, he’s so fun to watch. Tyrick Mitchell and Max Lacroix could probably lend a hand defensively too!
Having said that, I wouldn’t say no to Jean-Philippe Mateta, if for no other reason than to completely rattle opposition fans with his song – although I hope we’re not suffering that this weekend!
TEB – Favourite away day in League One currently?
SB – Blackpool was an incredible day back in August. Cheap and cheerful, cracking weather, 4,000 Stockport fans for the club’s first away game back in League One, and a 0-3 win. Doesn’t get much better.
Selfishly, I have family in Reading and we’re heading there a week on Saturday (18th) in the league, so I’ll chuck that one in there too. That probably isn’t many Stockport fans’ first, second or third choice!
TEB – Predictions for the game on Sunday including final score?
SB – Everything points to a big Palace win. Aside from the obvious gulf in quality, Stockport are in a bit of a rut at the minute and struggling to manage their way through January with injuries and off-colour performances/results. But it’s the FA Cup and I follow Stockport, so based on absolutely nothing other than my heart, I’ll say a 1-1 draw with the tie decided by penalties!
As a wider prediction, County will travel in excellent numbers and create a cracking atmosphere in the away end. It’s also a new ground for me, so really looking forward to the day regardless!
