Football Season Guide

Despite the departure of several experienced players last summer and the arrival of Premier League managerial novice Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace exceeded the expectations, finishing 12th in the table. Palace were beaten just 12 times, which is their lowest ever tally in a single Premier League season. Had they been more clinical on certain occasions, they would certainly have grabbed more points. Palace have been quiet in the summer transfer window so far. They signed 22-year-old midfielder Cheick Doucouré and experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnstone but they lost last season’s star man Conor Gallagher, who returned to his parent club, Chelsea. Palace could have a new-look midfield next term, with talented Eberechi Eze challenging for a starting spot. Wilfried Zaha is expected to stand out upfront, while Michael Olise and Odsonne Edouard have already showed glimpses of their talent and this season they may be ready to step up. Curiously, Palace’s defence was their main strength last season, as Vieira’s men conceded just 46 goals, the seventh lowest of all clubs in the top flight. Their main weakness has been their lack of a clinical touch in front of goal. Their sixth-best expected goal difference in the league last season means that they have either experienced poor luck or have below average finishing ability.