Crystal Palace Analysis

For those looking to draft in Crystal Palace players, here is an analysis of their key players who form part of a side that is often fielded in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, with emphasis on getting the ball to the forward players as quickly as possible. This focus on swift attack can lead to a leaky defence, which is why I wouldn’t recommend investing in a Palace defensive player, unless there is potential for attacking returns.

In terms of a predicted line-up for the first Gameweek, there are still quite a few unknowns in terms of recovery from injury and new transfers, and in attack in particular there is a strong threat of rotation.

Goalkeepers

This is probably the most unpredictable section of the team at the moment due to Speroni’s injury (predicted to be out for 3-4 weeks) and the quality of both Wayne Hennessey and Alex McCarthy. I would avoid Palace keepers for now as there is too much uncertainty.

Julian Speroni (4.5): Arguably Palace’s best goalkeeper, he is well-liked around Selhurst Park after spending so long at the club. There are questions, as there were last year, as to whether he is still the best choice to start in goal for Palace, but since he’s currently injured, he won’t be starting the season. I can easily see him coming back into the starting line-up when fit, but he’ll have to earn his place back in the team due to the quality of both of our back-up keepers.

Wayne Hennessey (4.0): He’s been on the bench since Pulis brought him into the team two seasons ago, patiently waiting for his place in the starting XI. Many thought that he may have been sold this summer due to keen interest from other clubs, but it looks as if he’ll be staying. I think that he’s got a chance now to prove his worth with Speroni out. He’ll probably start at least the first couple of games, although Alex McCarthy does provide a threat to that certainty.

Alex McCarthy (4.0): After starting against Dagenham and Redbridge in our last pre-season game on Monday night, I think that it could have been a sign that Hennessey will start in the first game. McCarthy also has not had as long to work with the back four as Hennessey has, but he does look like a talent and a solid keeper to have in the squad.

Defenders

Contrary to the goalkeepers, the defenders are pretty easy to predict, with a solid back four being formed over the past half a season. The only question is whether or not Dann will be partnered by Delaney or a new signing at centre-back. Martin Kelly has also been known to step in at that position form time to time. From a Fantasy perspective, there is not too much point in having a Palace defender that cannot provide some attacking returns, as I do not envisage many clean sheets this season.

Scott Dann (5.0): Brings an aerial presence from set-pieces and scores plenty of goals. Could be a good investment if he continues to bring in the goals which is a definite possibility due to the quality of set-piece takers we have now.

Joel Ward (4.5): Brings good value at 4.5, and I think he’ll have another good season. He has the potential to score some points from assists, which he’ll get more of this season I believe. Maybe not smart to get him from the start, but definitely good to bring in when he has a good run of fixtures.

Pape Souaré (4.5): Souaré is the dark-horse of the Crystal Palace defence in my opinion. At 4.5, he’s ideally priced and he’s a very attacking full-back who will look to get forward and link well with wingers Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha. Last season he took a while to get started as he got used to English football, but in pre-season he’s looked exciting, even scoring a goal, and he could be one of the most improved players this year in the team.

Damien Delaney (4.5): Although Delaney is a solid defender who may make the odd mistake, he has little to no Fantasy potential. He rarely gets any attacking returns, and few clean sheets due to the new system implemented by Pardew.

Martin Kelly (4.5): For a player who is not guaranteed a start at the moment, there’s no point in spending 4.5 on him. He could potentially come in at right-back or centre-back at some point during the season, but I’d stay away.

Brede Hangeland, Adrien Mariappa, Zeki Fryers (4.5, 4.0, 4.0): Don’t go near any of these three, they’ll probably make a couple of appearances now and then, but no Fantasy potential.

Midfielders

Palace have a lot of depth in the midfield, making selection extremely hard to predict, but there are definitely a few potential Fantasy picks in there. Pardew favours a single-striker approach, meaning a midfield including two wide wingers and a central midfield three with one in behind the striker and two playing more defensively.

Yohan Cabaye (6.5): As a Palace fan, it’s hard not to get excited about the signing of Yohan Cabaye. He’s able to play both in behind the striker and in a more defensive role, yet I can see Fantasy potential in both positions. From what has been seen in a couple of pre-season games, it looks as if he’ll share set-pieces with Jason Puncheon and maybe one or two others. He could easily be Palace’s top-scoring Fantasy player this year, but I would wait to see the role he’s playing in the team and for the fixtures to lighten up before bringing him into your team

Yannick Bolasie (6.5): A player with a lot of flair, he’s rather explosive and can go through patches of absolute brilliance, but also can have games where he’s invisible. Although he’s a rather exciting player, until he can nail down some consistent returns I don’t think he’s worth the 6.5 price tag. Some weeks he might end up being a great differential choice, but it’s picking those games which is almost impossible.

Jason Puncheon (6.0): One of the team’s better players last year, he thrived in a new central role under Pardew bringing in great returns towards the end of the season. It’s yet to be seen how the introduction of Yohan Cabaye into the team will affect Puncheon’s ability to score goals or assist. Since they are both very similar players, Puncheon may be forced into a different position this year, maybe a little more defensive, or maybe out on the wing occasionally. Until his new role is known, it might be smart to leave him out, but he could become good value at 6.0.

Wilfried Zaha (5.5): In my opinion, Zaha could be the way into the Palace midfield from the start; he comes at a reasonable price of 5.5 and is certain of a start in his favoured wide position. Last season he may not have been the best of picks, but his improvement will continue this season, and with new strikers available to turn in his crosses, he could become an assist machine in a Palace team which prefers scoring goals to preventing them from being conceded.

James McArthur (5.0): McArthur is probably one of the hardest working players on the pitch, putting in tackles where needed and controlling the pace of the team, distributing passes wide and forward, at the heart of the team. Not much good as a Fantasy pick as he won’t continually score goals, but a key player for Palace this season

Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak (both 5.0): Above are probably Palace’s top five midfielders, but in Mile Jedinak and Joe Ledley are two extremely capable central midfielders who can create a more defensive set up to the team. Neither should be in your Fantasy team as they cannot provide the points you need.

Jordon Mutch and Lee Chung-yong (both 4.5): Mutch may not have played a lot last season, but Pardew seems extremely keen on him, and he’s been one of the best players in pre-season. I can easily see him starting the first game of the season if Bolasie’s injury keeps him out, so he could be worth a punt if you’re looking for an alternative fifth midfielder. At the very least, he may provide a couple of goals or assists off the bench. Lee may be able to provide some points as well, but I’d rather go with Mutch out of these two.

Adlène Guédioura, Johnny Williams, Barry Bannan (all 4.5): Steer clear, no use going for any of them. Bannan and Guedioura could both leave, and Williams simply won’t get the playing time.

Forwards

There are an awful lot of players fighting for one spot here, so I would steer clear, but just in case, here’s a quick little look into some of their potential.

Glenn Murray (6.0): Top scorer for Palace after coming back from a loan at Reading last season, he’s a natural born goalscorer. He could be first choice going into the Norwich game, but with the new additions, he probably won’t get 90 minutes. If he can nail down a spot then he might become a good choice

Patrick Bamford (6.0): New addition on loan from Chelsea. Looks good in pre-season and could become a talent this season.

Connor Wickham (6.0): Recently signed from Sunderland, could become a goalscorer, but still needs to play some games in the Palace system before making any choices.

Marouane Chamakh (5.0): Great player for Palace, but gets injured too much to become a good Fantasy pick. Also usually plays behind the striker, which is not ideal for Fantasy purposes.

Dwight Gayle (5.5): One of my favourite players at the club, as he is a great goalscorer, but he just hasn’t been given the chance under any of the managers since joining the club. He may also be off on loan soon as he finds it difficult to make it into the team, with Fulham reportedly among those keen to take him on for the 2015/16 season.

Conclusion

In my opinion, there aren’t many great Palace Fantasy picks from the start due both to tough fixtures and certainty of starts. The depth in the squad makes it difficult to pick out many certain starters, but there definitely are some players that could emerge from the Palace team as good Fantasy picks, as Puncheon did last year. If you are looking for some to start with my best recommendations would be Joel Ward, Pape Souaré, Wilfried Zaha and Yohan Cabaye (although best check on his injury situation). Hope this helps you all out.