To get the lowdown on Albion’s opponents and their rivals Crystal Palace, I spoke to Chris Hambling, who is the presenter & co-creator of the Back Of The Nest podcast.

What have you made of Palace’s start to the season?

Very mixed. I think the outside perception is that Palace have made a good start, but in all honesty, the only good display was the Man Utd game - and they have struggled. We were excellent in that game though.

There is some good talent in the squad and a good balance when all are fit, but our focus on nullifying our opponents cost us hugely against Everton and Chelsea.

What have you made of their recruitment over the summer?

It’s been good. One more forward away from being excellent.

Eberechi Eze is a superb talent and once he settles fully it will be hard for anyone to get him out of the team.

Nathan Ferguson won’t be fit for a while to push Ward for a place in the side, so we remain limited at RB (even with Nathaniel Clyne joining on a short-term deal).

We still have a lot of work to do in the next season and a half to fully address the need to replace a large number of players for age/contract reasons though. And the manager.

Are fans pleased with their points return given the teams they have already faced?

Some are, but there is definitely a split in the fan base over Roy’s methods.

In terms of results in 2020, we have a 25% win record and average under a point per game, so there is a worrying trend.

For that reason, as much as I think six points is ok, I do feel the squad can deliver more if the shackles are loosened just a little bit.

Who will be the player that Brighton will need to keep a close eye on?

You cannot look much further than Wilfried Zaha.

He's much more involved now he's back starting from a central position with licence to roam and always has that extra motivation against Brighton.

He's had a couple of quiet matches but was outstanding in the Southampton and Man Utd games.

I think Jeff Schlupp is due back from injury and he was superb against Utd, so whoever out of he and Eze who makes the team will also need to be closely watched.

Where do you think they will finish this season?

I think we are capable of 10th but suspect it’ll be 15th. A lot depends on what we do in January and my gut feeling is Roy may struggle to see out the season with what we have now.

How will they line-up?

Based on rumours of who is out is speculate on the following: Guaita, Ward, Sakho, Kouyate, Van Aanholt, Schlupp, Milivojevic, McArthur, Townsend, Batshuayi, Zaha

What will the score be?

I have concerns but I can see this ending 1-1.