Thinking Football August 2016 | Page 12

Crystal Palace Last Season Premier League: 15 th FA Cup: Runners-up League Cup: Fourth Round 7 Top Scorer (all): Dwight Gayle ( ) It only seems a matter of moments since Alan Pardew was jigging away after Jason Puncheon's FA Cup final goal. Sadly for Palace and Pardew it was a premature victory dance. It was a similar pattern during their league season. They buckled after scaling the heights of sixth on December 19 th, failing to register another win till 9 th April, losing ten times in the midst of a crisis run. Hope still burns bright in South London for the Eagles however, as a squad of zesty and vibrant young guns look to build upon their phenomenal form at the start of last season. A drop of consistency and solidarity is needed if they are to avoid another landslide, so wise heads are needed on deck. Before last season, Palace were many people's picks for the surprise package, but a year on they are a mid-table banker. Who's in and who's out? Andros Townsend, brought in for 13 £ m, could be a great deal if he some frightening wingers and can hurt anyone on their day. A top ten What's their reality? during his short spell on Tyneside. It speaks volumes for Palace's James Tomkins has joined from attacking options when Dwight West Ham and experienced Gayle was their top scorer in 2015 16 / . Gayle rarely played, provide competition for Wayne revealing how Newcastle have got Hennessey. A host have been themselves a prolific striker. A released. Most notably, Emmanuel proven goalscorer is desperately Adebayor and Marouane Chamakh, needed. Without one, Palace could while Dwight Gayle is now at be sweating come May. 10 Newcastle after a £ m switch. Key Man: Yannick Bolasie finish is achievable. repeats the form he showed keeper Steve Mandanda will top eight in their last eight games. Fixtures to look out for Season expectations? Five of their first six games are A run to the FA Cup final averted winnable, bar Tottenham away. A many eyes away from their fast start could be vital as Young Star: Sullay Kaikai Marmite Man: Alan Pardew In 3 Words: Speed, counter, fans 356 750 1 61 12 Odds (Bet dreadful 2016 league form, so a consistent season over 38 games would be welcomed. Palace boast Title: / December sees them face Man Relegation: United, Chelsea and Arsenal. It's a Prediction: tough end with five of last seasons ): / th