Can Patrick Viera improve on his impressive first season in charge at Selhurst Park?
What happened last year?
Crystal Palace experienced a lot of change before the 2021/22 season, with up to eight players and a new manager coming in the form of Patrick Vieira, many feared for Palace, but a 12th place finish and a FA Cup run to the semi-finals will surely keep the Palace faithful happy.
Steve Parish’s transfer policy was clear for all to see, a new manager and new youthful approach with the purchases of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and the loan signing of Conor Gallagher from Chelsea proving to be an instant success at Selhurst Park.
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
Key signings?
Cheick Doucoure
Cheick Doucoure was brought in for around 20 million this transfer window and the Mali international will be hoping to offer some steel in the Palace midfield. The defensive midfielder will be looking to be the link between the Eagle's defence and attack. It could be a good move for Palace with the likes of Milivojevic and Kouyate entering their 30s, Doucoure’s youthful energy could certainly help. Patrick Vieira at points last year opted to put Will Hughes in that centre-defensive-midfield role and with all Hughes’ creativity going forward he can sometimes be found lacking in defensive situations, Doucoure could provide that balance for this Palace side.
Sam Johnstone
Palace wasted no time in snapping up Sam Johnstone on a free transfer from Championship side West Brom. Johnstone kept 15 clean sheets in 36 games in the Championship and when last in the Premier League he was one of the standout performers in a poor West Brom side. Getting Johnstone on a free seems like a shrewd bit of business for Crystal Palace, he will be highly motivated because it is not certain that the England international will be on the plane to Qatar for the winter World Cup and will be looking to stake a claim at an improving Palace side.
And who’s out?
Conor Gallagher
He may have been on loan, but Conor Gallagher was an important cog in the Vieira Palace machine and will be sorely missed by everyone at Selhurst Park. His energy across the whole pitch was clear to see and Gallagher proved he was an all-action midfielder for the Eagles picking up eight goals and three assists in the Premier League. The 10 yellow cards he picked up during his time at Selhurst Park prove he was willing to make a challenge in attempts to break up play.
Who is their star man?
Wilfred Zaha
Wilfred Zaha has been the main man at Palace since his return to the club in 2015 and last year he got his highest-ever Premier League goal return netting 14 goals for Vieira’s side. Zaha is very versatile and can play across the three attacking positions. He only has one year left on his current deal and will be wanting to add to his market value, to demand a higher offer from Palace or secure a move away from the club.
What can we expect from them in 2022/23?
As previously mentioned after a 12th place finish and an FA Cup semifinal the Palace fanbase will expect more of the same but with the chance of breaking into the top half of the Premier League, something they have only done once since their promotion from the Championship in 2014/2015. Palace can currently be found at the best price 5/2 to finish in the top half.
Where do the odds project them to finish?
Surprisingly, the outright Premier League market predicts Crystal Palace to finish around 16th, a very low position considering the strength of their squad. Palace can be found at the best price of 6/1 to be relegated and 4/11 to finish in the bottom half of the table.
Any recommended bets?
Looking at this Palace squad, they have undeniable quality in attacking areas and have a solid foundation with the centre-back partnership of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen and with the introduction of Sam Johnstone in goal, this could form a very solid trio for Palace. Top 10 is what the club will be aiming for and with another year of Vieira imposing his philosophy, it can be achieved. At 5/2, it seems worth a punt on Crystal Palace getting a top-half finish.
