How to watch, summer transfers & league prediction

Crystal Palace surprised everybody last season as they waltzed their way to a mid-table finish.

The Eagles played some dazzling football along the way under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, who was not even first choice to succeed Roy Hodgson and had inherited a rather decrepit squad.

But with some big performances in the bank and exciting young players on their books, expectations have been raised for Palace’s 2022/23 season.

Here’s 90min’s preview of the year ahead.

Ins:

Outs:

Numbers subject to change before end of transfer window

1) Jack Butland
2) Joel Ward
3) Tyrick Mitchell
4) Luka Milivojevic (c)
5) James Tomkins
6) Marc Guehi
7) Michael Olise
9) Jordan Ayew
10) Eberechi Eze
11) Wilfried Zaha
13) Vicente Guaita
14) Jean-Philippe Mateta
15) Jeffrey Schlupp
16) Joachim Andersen
17) Nathaniel Clyne
18) James McArthur
19) Will Hughes
20) Christian Benteke
22) Odsonne Edouard
23) Malcolm Ebiowei
26) Chris Richards
28) Cheick Doucoure
36) Nathan Ferguson
43) Scott Banks
44) Jairo Riedewald
48) Luke Plange
49) Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
TBA) Sam Johnstone

Star player

Is it a cop out to say that Wilfried Zaha is Crystal Palace’s best player? Yes. Will we still do it anyway? Yes.

The Ivorian is heading into the final year of his contract in south London, though if Vieira’s young side continue progressing as many expect them to, then why wouldn’t he want to stick around?

Zaha’s impressive form as the leader of this team went under the radar last season and he’ll be keen to continue that in search of one final big contract – whether that be at Palace or elsewhere.

One to watch

Ok, most Premier League fans are familiar with Palace’s best young stars like Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, while new signing Cheick Doucoure looks a shrewd piece of business.

But anyone with a Palace fan in their life will tell you that they keep harking on about the prospects of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who could yet leave on loan, but if he stays will surely see some game time this year.

Home kit

Away kit

Third kit

Vieira’s Palace side are definitely one of the more exciting ‘streets won’t forget’ teams of recent years.

They have one of the Premier League’s best one-man shows in Zaha, a fine cohort of young talent and are even solid defensively.

At their best, they could push for that coveted Europa Conference League spot, but they’ll probably simmer at around mid-table again.

Crystal Palace Premier League prediction – 11th