Crystal Palace’s Defence

Before Tony Pulis took over at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace players were dead to us as Fantasy prospects. By the end of the season, however, Palace had registered 12 clean sheets in 28 games under the Welshman’s reign, on average conceding just 0.96 goals per game. Players such as Joel Ward, Julian Speroni and Damien Delaney became Fantasy gold, offering a reliable source of points for many owners. After such a season, a price hike is inevitable, but there could still be value in Palace’s backline.

JULIAN SPERONI

Palace’s Player of the Season had an outstanding year, seeing his side to Premier League safety and accumulating 144 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points. However, the veteran keeper is out of contract and there is uncertainty over his future. If he does stay, and the fixture list is kind to Palace, the Argentine could still be good value if he comes in at £5.0, but £5.5 will be too steep for most.

JOEL WARD

Another who had a brilliant season in 2013/14, Ward collected three assists and 13 bonus points (more than any other Palace defender) on his way to a total of 123 points in FPL. He is arguably the only one in the Eagles’ backline who is absolutely nailed on, and can play at right-back, left-back or even in midfield. If, as expected, he is given a £5.5 price tag, though, it will surely be better to look elsewhere.

DAMIEN DELANEY

12 bonus points helped Delaney to a handsome 117 points in 2013/14, just seven shy of Ward. However, he is getting on now at 32, and Pulis will almost certainly buy another centre-half or two after the departure of Gabbidon, meaning Delaney’s spot could well be under threat.

SCOTT DANN

Dann could well be the best way into the Palace defence in 2014/15. He has cemented his spot in the side after signing in January, and due to being overshadowed by his team-mates, there is a chance he could be priced at £4.5, in which case he would surely become essential. His potential, though, like Delaney’s, is dependent on Pulis’ activity in the transfer market.

LEFT-BACK

After the surprise release of both Moxey and Parr, there is an empty berth in their back four. Ipswich Town’s Aaron Cresswell has been linked recently, and he would certainly be an option after getting two goals and 14 assists in the Championship last term. Another option could be that Ward plays at left back, which in turn would bring Mariappa into play on the opposite flank as a budget option (he should be around £4.5). Watch this space.

WAYNE HENNESSEY

Hennessey was signed in January as a possible long-term replacement for Speroni, and interestingly, played in goal instead of the veteran on the final day of the season. Speroni’s future is up in the air, so Hennessey, who could be priced at anything from £4.0 to £5.0, could become a real prospect.