INSIDE INFO: A Crystal Palace fan's view

This week we spoke to Crystal Palace blog TheEaglesBeak to get the lowdown on Southampton's opponents on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

Please read, like, share and, most importantly, enjoy this week's edition of INSIDE INFO - the original (we're looking at you, www.southamptonfc.co.uk) Saints column which gets the opposition's views ahead of their match against our beloved Southampton.

Please read our reverse interview with TEB here.

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St. Mary's Musings: What are your thoughts on the season so far?

TheEaglesBeak: Not great. A poor start followed by a good recovery going five games unbeaten and now this, seven games without a win, six losses in succession. There was always a fear that Alan Pardew could not possibly survive another run of poor form after the second half of last season but here we are, again.

He has lost an awful lot of the fans this time around, many had been lost during that second half of last season. Many including myself would be very surprised to see him still in charge at Palace come the end of the year unfortunately.

SMM: We're in December now. How does Palace's league performance compare to your predictions before the season's start?

TEB: I really thought that we would be in a much better position considering the summer signings making our current squad one of the best we have ever witnessed at Palace. It is so difficult to try and understand what the problem is as it has not been for the lack of trying, but the individual mistakes by players really are hurting us.

SMM: Alan Pardew. What's going on with him?!

TEB: Good run of form followed by a horrendous run of form. It seems to have blighted every managerial position he has ever had and us Palace fans have had plenty from Newcastle telling us all that they told us so. I really do want it to work but at the moment, it is looking like going only one way and that will be the departure of Pardew.

SMM: Can you pinpoint why Palace have had such a rough 2016?

TEB: No, not at all. Thankfully the first half of last season stood us in good stead as that was the reason why we did not drop into the bottom three come the end of the season. It says everything when you look at the form guide of all clubs in the top four divisions - Palace are 92nd!

SMM: Have there been any shining lights in 2016?

TEB: Reaching the FA Cup final. What a run, beating Premier League teams all the way to the final even though we could not manage it in the league! Being a part of the tremendous Palace support at Wembley was a very proud moment, just doing what we do. Taking the lead with less than ten minutes to go was something quite special even though we eventually lost.

SMM: Who should us Saints fans look out for on Saturday?

TEB: Wilfried Zaha. He has been in tremendous form this season and it has been quite remarkable that Andros Townsend has been picked for England ahead of him. That has seen him pledge his future to the Ivory Coast and fair play to him for that, England's loss.

SMM: What Saints player do you fear the most?

TEB: Charlie Austin. Natural goalscorer that Palace had an interest in signing when at Queens Park Rangers.

SMM: If you could sell any Palace player from your regular starting XI, who would it be and why?

TEB: If it means signing a proper left back then I'd have to say Martin Kelly. After our first choice left back Pape Souare was involved in a car accident, it has been filling a round hole with a square peg. I fell sorry for Kelly though, as he is not left footed left alone a left back.

SMM: Who would you love to sign from Southampton?

TEB: I have an awful lot of time for Virgil van Dijk ever since you signed him from Celtic. Great centre back that will be hot property in the January transfer window or next summer.

SMM: Finally, what is your prediction for the game?

TEB: We just have to end this awful run at some stage and with all your commitments at the moment, I'm crossing my fingers this will be the game so 2-1 Palace.

We'd like to thank the guys at TheEaglesBeak for reaching out once again!