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Premier League Predictions: Crystal Palace

Premier League Predictions: Crystal Palace

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Crystal Palace could be set for another season in mid-table. The Eagles haven’t done much in the transfer window but that is both a positive and a negative. It will be intriguing to see which way it pans out.

By Sam McGuire

How the team did last season

It was something of an odd campaign for Crystal Palace. They finished in 11th place in the Premier League, one place better off than they managed in 2021/22 but having amassed fewer points. 

Patrick Vieira was sacked after an inconsistent campaign and Roy Hodgson was drafted in to ensure the Eagles didn’t find themselves in a relegation scrap. There was a real threat of this at one stage before the former England manager masterminded a resurgent end to the season. 

In their final 10 outings, Palace won five and picked up three draws. This was enough to comfortably distance themselves from the bottom three – they eventually finished 11 points clear of Leicester City in 18th. 

At one stage, though, they were in freefall. After the Premier League resumed following the World Cup break, Palace managed just eight points from a possible 42. The only team they managed to beat during this 14-game stretch was Bournemouth. 

The star players for the Eagles were Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. The former topped the goals charts for the team with 10 while the latter racked up 11 assists, a total only Mohamed Salah (12) and Kevin De Bruyne (16) could better in the English top-flight. 

It is no surprise to see both players finished with the highest FotMob averages in the Palace squad last season with Eze coming in at 7.27 and Olise at 7.25. 

Both did their reputations a lot of good. It is why, despite the club’s struggles, Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly want Olise.

What has happened during the summer?

In truth, not a lot.

Crystal Palace signed Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth and he’s the only arrival so far at Selhurst Park. He will bolster the midfield ranks but he’s by no means a game-changer. He’s a reliable, solid squad player. 

At the time of writing, the Eagles are believed to have made a £20million offer for Matheus França of Flamengo. The young Brazilian had been a target for Chelsea and Newcastle but, if reports are correct, a move to Selhurst Park is now on the agenda (Editor’s note – this transfer has now been confirmed). 

Despite being offered a new deal, Wilfried Zaha opted to end his stay with the club and sign for Galatasaray. His departure is a blow but Palace have done well to keep hold of Marc Guéhi, Olise, Eze and Cheick Doucouré despite interest from the Premier League big six. 

What they should be aiming for next season?

They’ve managed to keep key players at the club but their inability to really strengthen could see them struggle. The likes of Olise and Eze are extremely talented but are they consistent enough to do it on a weekly basis? That is the big question heading into the new season. 

A mid-table place should be the aim but Hodgson will be happy to just keep this group in the Premier League. 

Prediction 

16th

(Images from IMAGO)

Think you know better than our Premier League expert? Then play the FotMob Predictor Game and decide where your team will finish this season! Find the game in the More tab of the FotMob app, which you can download, for free, right here.

Premier League Predictions: Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace could be set for another season in mid-table. The Eagles haven’t done much in the transfer window but that is both a positive and a negative. It will be intriguing to see which way it pans out.

By Sam McGuire

How the team did last season

It was something of an odd campaign for Crystal Palace. They finished in 11th place in the Premier League, one place better off than they managed in 2021/22 but having amassed fewer points. 

Patrick Vieira was sacked after an inconsistent campaign and Roy Hodgson was drafted in to ensure the Eagles didn’t find themselves in a relegation scrap. There was a real threat of this at one stage before the former England manager masterminded a resurgent end to the season. 

In their final 10 outings, Palace won five and picked up three draws. This was enough to comfortably distance themselves from the bottom three – they eventually finished 11 points clear of Leicester City in 18th. 

At one stage, though, they were in freefall. After the Premier League resumed following the World Cup break, Palace managed just eight points from a possible 42. The only team they managed to beat during this 14-game stretch was Bournemouth. 

The star players for the Eagles were Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. The former topped the goals charts for the team with 10 while the latter racked up 11 assists, a total only Mohamed Salah (12) and Kevin De Bruyne (16) could better in the English top-flight. 

It is no surprise to see both players finished with the highest FotMob averages in the Palace squad last season with Eze coming in at 7.27 and Olise at 7.25. 

Both did their reputations a lot of good. It is why, despite the club’s struggles, Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly want Olise.

What has happened during the summer?

In truth, not a lot.

Crystal Palace signed Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth and he’s the only arrival so far at Selhurst Park. He will bolster the midfield ranks but he’s by no means a game-changer. He’s a reliable, solid squad player. 

At the time of writing, the Eagles are believed to have made a £20million offer for Matheus França of Flamengo. The young Brazilian had been a target for Chelsea and Newcastle but, if reports are correct, a move to Selhurst Park is now on the agenda (Editor’s note – this transfer has now been confirmed). 

Despite being offered a new deal, Wilfried Zaha opted to end his stay with the club and sign for Galatasaray. His departure is a blow but Palace have done well to keep hold of Marc Guéhi, Olise, Eze and Cheick Doucouré despite interest from the Premier League big six. 

What they should be aiming for next season?

They’ve managed to keep key players at the club but their inability to really strengthen could see them struggle. The likes of Olise and Eze are extremely talented but are they consistent enough to do it on a weekly basis? That is the big question heading into the new season. 

A mid-table place should be the aim but Hodgson will be happy to just keep this group in the Premier League. 

Prediction 

16th

(Images from IMAGO)

Think you know better than our Premier League expert? Then play the FotMob Predictor Game and decide where your team will finish this season! Find the game in the More tab of the FotMob app, which you can download, for free, right here.