It is difficult to grasp what the expectation is at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace are a side in the bracket of ‘too good to go down’ yet not in a position to battle for seventh. As a result, the likely expectation is – as it has been for the last few seasons – a mid-table finish coupled with a cup run. However, that could change depending on the activity in the last weeks of the transfer window.
A Mid-Table Finish Expected For Crystal Palace This Season
Signings So Far
It has been a quiet window so far Roy Hodgson. The Eagles have made just the two signings, with the additions of Stephen Henderson and Jordan Ayew.
Henderson has arrived at Selhurst Park on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest. A well-travelled goalkeeper, he is likely to be the third choice behind Vicente Guaita and Wayne Hennessey.
Jordan Ayew arrives on a permanent transfer following his loan spell with Palace last season. He scored two goals in 25 appearances last season. Similar to Henderson, he is likely to be a squad player for Roy Hodgson this forthcoming season.
However, perhaps the most important signing will be keeping Wilfried Zaha. The 26-year-old is still a Crystal Palace player at the time of writing, despite receiving interest from Arsenal and Everton. The former have seen two bids rejected so far this summer. According to reports, Palace are holding out on their valuation of £80 million.
Potential Tactics
4-4-2 and 4-3-3 were Roy Hodgson’s most favoured formations last season.
4-4-2 is how Palace are most likely to lineup come the first game of the Premier League season against Everton. In goal and in defence it is likely to be the same faces deployed, with the only alteration being at right-back. Last season’s Player of the Season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, has left to join Manchester United. As a result, it means that Joel Ward is likely to be the first choice.
It is in midfield where any major changes are likely to come. Max Meyer has featured frequently in pre-season so could see his first-team spot nailed down in the centre of midfield. However, last season Roy Hodgson did opt to use the German out wide. This could see fans’ favourite James McArthur remain in the starting lineup.
The attacking options are expected to remain the same as last season at Selhurst Park. Christian Benteke will operate as a target man; meanwhile, Andros Townsend and Zaha will return to their usual wide roles. However, if the preferred 4-4-2 is used, Zaha will work alongside the Belgian striker.
Crystal Palace: Destination Mid-Table
It is hard to argue with the current expectation of mid-table. There are a number of sides battling for the coveted seventh spot, all of whom have greater financial strength than Crystal Palace. The Eagles most likely way to Europe for the Eagles is through cup competitions.
It is perhaps too cliche to stress the importance of a good start to the season. However, it is important that Palace do just that. They face just two of the top six in their first eight games of the season, before playing four of them in five games across October and November. They will want points on the board before heading into that tricky period.
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