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Mar 20Crystal Palace Fan’s Premier League Season Preview
After a change in the managerial hot seat, Eagles fans will hope Patrick Vieira can continue the solid work of Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.
Ahead of a brand new season of Premier League football on BT Sport, we spoke to fans of each and every team about their expectations for what lies ahead over the next nine months.
Talking all things Crystal Palace, BTSport.com spoke with Chris Hambling from the Back Of The Nest podcast to get his thoughts on the new season.
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Hopes
The season ahead feels full of promise for us.
Things under Roy Hodgson were a stale and predictable slog last season.
We’ve lost a few familiar faces but the business being done in the transfer window and a big-name manager mean we’re full of excitement as to what we could achieve.
Fears
Change is risky.
A new manager and a squad overhaul will take time to bed in, we have a few long term injuries in a thin squad and we have the memories of Frank De Boer failing when he tried to change our style.
All of these factors are big risks!
Most important player
Assuming he stays, Wilfried Zaha once again.
If Partick Vieira finds a system that gets him on the ball more and frees any defensive shackles, he will be the difference once again.
If he goes, then with Eberechi Eze out long term and new signing Michael Olise out until August, the likes of Jeffrey Schlupp and Christian Benteke will have to step up.
Rising star
This is a tough one for this season as there is a promising line of talent involved in the first team squad.
It may be a season too soon for the likes of David Omilabu and Jack Wells-Morrison so I could say that the gap left by Andros Townsend’s departure could open up an opportunity for a talented winger in Jesrun Rak-Sakyi.
Similar in style to Zaha, he’s developed rapidly in the last year and could take his chance.
What I’ve missed the most
Being at the games, singing until I have no voice, sharing every ugh with thousands of other people at the home of football, Selhurst Park!
I’ve also missed the excitement that change brings - slow and steady for too long, but now we dare to dream….
Prediction
My head says we will finish mid-table after a tough start.
If we stay the course and strengthen in January, 10th feels like a sensible, logical target.
My heart says we could well surprise a few and build up momentum to push towards those European spots!
