Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Weekend Recap and Midweek Preview

Safety for Crystal Palace and Swansea City as we near the final weekend of the season. Sorry for the lack of live updates on my Twitter feed...


Thursday

Son Heung Min -- 2 PM @Leicester on NBCSN - Son was ok enough Sunday but will probably be remembered for his one on one when a fortunate bounce landed at his feet with GK but blasting right at de Gea. To be fair, it was on his left foot and a quick reaction chance, so I don't fault him toooo much. He had a hard time getting involved... he was given a fair amount of room, but his teammates couldn't get him the ball, and when he did get the ball, he couldn't find the penetrating move or pass. With nothing to play for, we will see what Poch does with the XI. Son will want to start in his quest to best Cha Bum Kun's total. Poch on the other hand has to balance carry momentum for next season, and experimentation to figure out depth and squad ideas. I think he starts but less certain than recently.


Recaps


Ji Dong Won -- A huge win but Ji only came on as a time-wasting sub. At this point, Augsburg's survival more important than his minutes even if his declining role a bit frustrating.


Koo Ja Cheol -- Out for season.


Park Joo Ho -- He posted himself training so he lives but nothing close to the team.


Ki Sung Yueng -- Played just shy of 70 minutes. At times we saw the strengths of Ki, with some great passes including one to Olsen and the assist to Knaughton, and some good runs in behind the defense, and decent defense when he was in position. But too much still he moved with a measured effort where he didn't look 100% at best, or at worst with limited enthusiasm for defense. I have to think for Clement to keep starting Ki despite the limited effort that Ki must be managing some health issue or somehow think that the handful of great moments are worth the risk. But now with safety assured we will see if Clement tests out some changes ahead of the transfer window.


Lee Chung Yong -- Lack of defensive effort on an Allardyce team plus improving health means that LCY got cut from squad. His future at Crystal Palace looks pretty dim, but I don't see where he can go.


Kwon Chang Hoon -- Last week's performance meant that KCH only came on as a late sub but like Ji, at least they got an important three points and have a good chance of survival and with it many more chances for Ligue 1 minutes next season.