When all is down, we play well.

Every time I've said we should win this one easy... we lose.

So I'm going for 1-0.

Spurs, very good team and manager, fantastic ground but crap atmosphere. Palace, well we've got one out of four of those - arguably the most important. As a supporter for 50yrs this is the most skilful team overall that I've seen. But, as Manure and Chelsea know, skill by itself isn't enough. Amongst other things you need at least a few more players with real passion (as witness Newcastle, albeit some of the passion bordered on brutality). Zaha, Wright, Puncheon, Morrison, et al; these guys loved playing and would die for the club. Any old gits like me might remember Mark Lazarus, a decent winger who, when he scored at home, would run a complete lap of the pitch. That enthusiasm is infectious, both on and off the pitch. So hopefully we open on the front foot Friday, chase and harry, otherwise they'll play walking possession football we'll lose our shape and go down 2-0. BUT as we are good at bouncing back I think we'll nick it. As many have said before, the great thing about the premiership is that anyone can beat anyone on their day. And don't you just love to prove the pundits wrong.

Good post, even better username!

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

Given the Einstein's definition of madness, neither Lerma or Mateta should start on Friday.

The back 5 pick themselves.

I know its a pipe dream but I'd start with this.

Doucoure/Hughes
Franca
JRS-Eduard-Ayew

1-1 Our new guys and the walking wounded no longer wounded I am hoping that we will shock Spuds and we will get the draw we need for our hearts and mentality.

Enjoying getting up later and not having someone who knows better than me (apart from the missus of course).

It's gonna be tough